and the Dance Circle troupe. He also performed with and for 10 years directed the New Jersey Dance Theater Guild (NJDTE). Honors and awards On May 23, 2003, The Juilliard School awarded Alfredo Corvino an honorary doctor of fine arts degree in recognition of his contributions to dance instruction, his career as a performer and choreographer, and his dedication and commitment to dance. He was also the recipient of the 2002 Martha Hill Award for Leadership in Dance and the Juilliard Centennial Medal (May 2005). Corvino was often described as soft-spoken, gentle, precise, generous and elegant. Dancers sought out Corvino as a teacher and coach due to his extensive knowledge, his patience, and his diplomacy. He understood that a classical dancer had to be developed, often stating that a dancer could be born with facility, but that there would be no technique without the proper training. He believed that true dancers possessed an inner fire in addition to a refined technique. Corvino taught ballet with great respect of human anatomy. He recognized that many dancers became injured because they consistently worked against their own body. He stressed anatomical accuracy, musicality in dance, energy and resistance and the basic principles behind movement. He focused on the anatomy of movement to nurture the dancer's body and prolong the dancer's career. Corvino died in August 2005. His work in the world of dance is continued by his two daughters - Andra Corvino, a member of The Juilliard School dance faculty and Ernesta Corvino, a ballet teacher, choreographer and director of the Dance Circle troupe. His wife, Marcella Rubin, who was known for her elaborate costume designs, died in 2004. References Equipose: The Life and Work of Alfredo Corvino (Book) by Dawn Lillie (Author), Dance & Movement Press, NY, 2009 () External links Website: http://www.corvinoballet.org Ballet teachers 1916 births 2005 deaths Uruguayan male ballet dancers Juilliard School faculty Juilliard School people People from Montevideo Uruguayan National Ballet dancers