ed. note: With permission of the author, artsmeme is very proud to republish William Whitener‘s marvelous obituary of a F.O.A.M. (Friend of Arts Meme), Christian Holder, who passed away, too soon! too soon!, at his home in London recently. How we loved this Renaissance man of the dance. Whitener’s homage, which Dance Magazine originally published on March 13, 2025, may be read in its entirety here.
Dancer, actor, cabaret singer, raconteur, choreographer, director, writer, designer, painter, teacher, practicing Buddhist: These were some of Christian Holder’s titles. Though best known as a star of the Joffrey Ballet, he was truly a man about town.
Holder died in his home in London, England, on February 18. His death was confirmed by his friend and collaborator, Margo Sappington, and his cousin Leo Holder, though no details were provided.
Throughout his life, Holder’s personality and work were suffused with intelligence and extraordinary curiosity. A born leader, charismatic and kind, he was also a wit of the first order—a serious man who acknowledged the absurd. His eyes lit up when something outrageous or unexpected occurred in the studio. His laughter began as a titter and rose to a hilarious roar that invariably broke the tension in the room.
“There was a side to him other than his elegant, gentlemanly British manner,” Sappington says. “He had a wicked wit and a naughty, mischievous side that was hilarious and disarming.”
Continue reading here.