Book of Memories for Marta Zorina

Story shared: "H-O-L-D"

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 17:25:35 EDT

I was only a child in high school when I was introduced and allowed to take ballet classes with Marta Zorina. I don't think she taught children. I remember her as being a rather intense teacher clearly devoted to what she was teaching. What I remember most though is practicing developpe where once our legs were extended she would spell the word "hold" with a pause between each letter. Some days the letters seemed to take a long time. One day she added the word "more". No matter how low your leg got you would not dare let your foot touch the ground. I remember on one occasion she left the room completely after the letter "L". We were left there long enough to start looking at each other and wondering what was going on, but not one of us would dare to let that leg get so low it would be a tendu. Eventually, she came back, apologizing for how long it took to get her tea and followed that with a resounding "D". I think she apologized...maybe not. Rest in peace.

Condolence From Anjelika (Diana)

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 17:05:32 EDT

I studied with Marta in late 60,s to early 70;s.I saw her perform in an 32 east side niteclub with my husband who was also from Budapest.He said she spoke with the most classy of accents her native language.She was humble about her performance and demanding as a teacher with a vast knowledge of the human anatomy related to dance.She was encouraging when one was discouraged and could do a vibrating split like no one else.Inspiring,beautiful,to never be forgotten.

Condolence From Mesmera

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:59:00 EDT

Fortunately, my teacher, Gena Reno, studied with Marta before leaving NY for Los Angeles. Not only did it provide her with an incredible performance foundation, it also inspired her to co-produce a seminar with me that brought Marta to LACC and into my home for 5 amazing days. I got to discover some of Marta's remarkable artistry in performance, teaching and as a wise mentor. She was as disciplined as she was passionate, with a theatric style that was artisticly innovative and riveting. She coached many stars in private, like Ibrahim Farrah for example, and her classes enabled countless numbers to surpass their technique and LIVE their dance. A thousand blessings and thank you, dear Marta Zorina!

Story shared: "LEGACY"- a poem i found that is so apropo (slightly altered)

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:01:24 EST

LEGACY-- We are her Legacy! Her spirit lives on through us... Her voice fills our hearts and thoughts... We walk on with what she taught, and....dance,dance,dance

Condolence From Rosemary Lindt

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:08:07 EST

I first met Marta by chance when she and I were walking our dogs in Central Park. We discovered we both were not only animal lovers but also dancers, dance teachers and choreographers. I invited her to work in my studio, which at that time was in Carnegie Hall, and we quickly became very good friends. Marta was a kind, vital and very courageous person as well as a superb artist. I am so happy to have known her and I shall never forget her.

Condolence From Alicia and Carol

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:38:14 EST

Dearest Marta, Thank you for your generosity to us and for your dedication to your art. We have always and always will think of you as a unique artist with extraordinarily mystical qualities. We both thank you for all you shared with us. For us you were, and will always be, a pure and beautiful spirit.

Story shared: In loving memory

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:06:04 EST

Thank you very much for organizing the memorial for Marta. I met Marta in 1988. I had come to the US from Hamburg - Germany when I was only 19 and stayed in Los Angeles for three years where I studied dance and acting. I was hired as an extra dancer for the Joffrey Ballet to dance in their larger productions on the West Coast. Meeting all the dancers from New York and the desire to study modern dance at the Martha Graham School led me to move to the Big Apple in August of 1988. I met former Maurice Bejart dancer Janine Ceballos and we became roommates in a little apartment in Parkslope - without air conditioning - that August must have been the hottest summer in my life. We would actually sit in front of the open refrigerator to get some relief. Janine was studying with Marta at the time and would show me some of the exercises. She was so excited that I was able to do some of the more advanced ones that she kept asking me to come with her to one of the classes. I think I relented after a couple of months and went with her to Marta's studio at 200 West 58th Street #4d. Marta became my mentor and my spiritual / artistic mother. She was a God sent Angel. She was able to take the talent I already had and mold my body to the next level of expertise. Marta gave me an understanding into my self and my soul that I would never have been able to reach by myself or with any other teacher. We are blessed by talent but also cursed if we are not guided. Meeting Marta was my blessing. She helped me while I studied at The Martha Graham School and then helped me to get into New York University where I received my BFA in Dance from Tisch School of the Arts. I received my Yoga teacher Certificate from the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science & Philosophy and apprenticed with Jivamukti Founders Sharon Gannon and David Life, but the true knowledge was bestowed by Marta through her teachings and her healings. Marta seemed to be too pure of a soul to comfortably live in our world. She was full of love and at the same time sad, that not all people were full of love. Her studio would be my little haven of love when New York City would be harsh to live in. I would come for a class or a massage several times a month for the next six years. Sometimes Marta would cook me her wonderful Azuki bean soup or I would invite her around the corner for a cappuccino. Marta spoke German quite well, so she would speak in German and English to me and occasionally sing me a German lullaby her mother had sung to her - she missed her mother dearly. I introduced Aleta Hayes to Marta and she became a long time student as well. Aleta and I met at NYU and we graduated both in 1993 - though she was in the MFA program. We had worked on a few pieces together and I admired her artistry as a choreographer and performer. I introduced only a few fellow dancers to Marta. One had to be able to understand Marta in her purity, her love and her eccentricity, and for many that was asking too much. In 1994 I decided for a variety of reasons to move back to Los Angeles. I was teaching Yoga and dancing in New York but the cold winters were getting to me and then Lar Lubovitch folded his company due to the National Endowments of the Arts funding being cut. I loved his chorography that combined the lyricism of the classical with modern dance. Suddenly there were fewer reasons to stay in New York. Back in Los Angeles I started teaching Yoga at many dance and yoga centers - back then it was still such a new thing that many people asked me "what is yoga?" There were no yoga classes at any of the fitness or dance studios in 1994. Marta always told me: 'You learn the most by teaching". I found that to be true. Many insights and knowledge came to me while teaching and I believe a vessel opened through Marta's teachings in me. We can become one with divine knowledge and then know things we did not know. We did not even know that we would have an answer until someone asked the question. I met my husband Ron Nash in Los Angeles and we both visited Marta in New York. I came back to visit her again in 1997 or '98 for a film Marta did about her teachings - sadly this film was never published. Then my daughter was born in 1999 and my son in 2001. Traveling was much harder with two little kids but we stayed in touch through frequent letters and phone calls. We invited Marta to visit us in 2006 and she taught my son how to tie his shoes and gave my daughter input for her dance and gymnastics. The visit was magical. I took her to the Meditation's garden by the ocean in Cardiff by the Sea and she was so happy to see us all. I almost lost her on the way back at the airport in New York however. I had arranged for a driver to pick her up at JFK, but he did not find her and left. Marta was at the time getting slightly disoriented and I panicked until I finally reached her at home hours later. She had sat at the airport waiting for a couple of hours and then got a ride home from a stranger she had met. The incident made me realize that it was difficult to ensure a safe journey for her. Her letters stopped a couple of years ago and she had a hard time remembering who I was the last couple of times I called. I know though, that we will live forever in each other's hearts and that we will meet again in another lifetime. She was my mentor and my mother and I will be forever grateful for her love and presence in my life. Nicole Michelle Matisse-Nash

Condolence From Rev. Elizabeth Levy (Levanah)

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:17:08 EST

Thank you Marta for all your help and inspiration you have given to me and to others in dance. I will always appreciate your artistry and encouragement. Levanah

Condolence From Kawakeb NYC

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:52:29 EST

My Tribute to Marta Zorina, Exquisite dancer, sublime performer, sacred choreographer, vessel of the Russian flame and Pharonic form, High Priestess of Dance. Queen Cleopatra on-point with your fiery partner Ibrahim Farrah, whose fire you fanned as you performed an ancient adagio at Athenia East for Hollywood and Broadway Sultans like Anthony Quinn. Marta Zorina, brilliant treasure beyond compare, dancing on the concert stage which is your Temple. Queen of Pharonic Ballet, Soul of Pharonic Dance, and vessel of Cleopatra- you made her live again- resurrector of Ancient Egyptian Dance forms at Theatre of the Open Eye and Riverside Dance Festival. Beloved Breath of Perfumed Air, Muse of Ibrahim Farrah the Master of Danse’Orientale, so kind and gentle you nurtured Ibrahim’s Queen, Phaedra, in her form as Hathor-come-to-Earth. Oh Sacred Dancer, you are Isis of Dance. You taught me as you moved, connecting golden, timeless threads. Your dance, channeled from Source is your blessing. Devine Dancer, you gave me wild water to drink and exquisite food to eat. I am beyond grateful for the treasures you bestowed. Humbled, in your presence, I bow to you. Oh, sublime jewel of artistic excellence, moving through our shared time and sharing the fragrance of your cultured perfume. I can never thank you enough for your perfection. You are. . . . Perfection! Perfection! Perfection! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I Appreciate You, Honor You and, I Love You, Eternally, Kawakeb Astra Dimitri (November 2011, NYC) I handed you the fatal asp when you were Cleopatra at Riverside Dance Festival, I was handmaiden to your Pharonic Queen at Theatre of the Open Eye and Vessel for your choreography of the Ancient Pharonic Festival Pom Pom Dance as depicted on the tomb paintings and channeled thru you, my beloved artistic mother.

Photo shared: daboczy@hdsnet.hu

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:32:50 EST

Marta Zorina - Tusy - she was the sister of my mother. Thank you for this memorial site! Krisztina Dabóczy from Budapest (Hungary)

Condolence From Katia of Boston

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:07:30 EST

Marta was an inspiration to us all. A great artist with a true passion for life. She will be truly missed. Katia

Condolence From Lorelie Carvey

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:06:42 EST

I feel very fortunate to have met Marta Zorina through my dance teacher and mentor Dolores Matzen, Riskallah Riyad. Dolores invited Marta several times to the dance studio to work with her students as a group and individually. She was an exceptionally talented, beautiful woman with a wonderful sense of humor. My memories of Marta will always be treasured.

Condolence From Lois Sperakis

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:52:21 EST

I knew Marta for about 45 years. Through both good times and difficult times she was both my muse and my mentor. When I first met her I felt an immediate rapport with her artistic and cultural sensibility. In addition since I started studying at the age of 30, I was grateful for her incredible wisdom concerning the body and her knowledge of kinesiology. In spite of her difficult life she was a loyal friend, and when she worked with you, you were the most important person to her at that moment. Although it did not work out, I always believed that her artistic, spiritual, and philosophical brilliance should have been more available to a larger audience. However, for those of us who experienced her greatness,it was a rare treasure,never to be forgotten inside ourselves. How fortunate we were! Rest in peace Marta. Angels are with you!

Story shared: An Extraordinary Artist

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:07:36 EST

Marta was like no one else I have ever met. Her sensitivity to life and her unique perception affected all who knew her. She had the spirit of a child and the wisdom of an ancient soul. Her knowledge of dance was priceless and I carry what I learned from her to this day. She experienced some very harsh realities early in her life, but survived and created a career. A performer and teacher, those touched by her will remember. Marta I will miss you but you will always be in my heart, your memory will remain with me always.

Condolence From Gena Reno

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:46:46 EST

Certainly, she was an icon in the world of middle eastern dance. It's a shame that there are no video's on line of her dancing/teaching, nothing much at all but a few mentions on other dancers websites. She took pleasure in "molding" a dancer. Clearly, she had that effect on me. Back then, in the late 60's, it wasn't easy to find a dancing spirit that endeavored to represent the ancients in dance. All the best Marta, may you find immense happiness in your new world of dance with no physical limitations!

Story shared: A mentor to many

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:44:26 EST

Condolence From David Emmons

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:40:48 EST

Marta was a wonderful inspiration to all. Her creative, positive, artistic energy was most influential. She was a good, kind person that always helped her friends out. We will miss you Marta.

Condolence From Donna (Tarifa) Salem

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:12:28 EST

My sincere condolences to all who suffer the loss of this beautiful spirit who danced into the lives of many bringing love, light and laughter. She shared her soul with all who witnessed her dance. She leaves a legacy of dancers who she inspired to dance from their hearts. May you find peace in your eternal rest, Marta and may God grant comfort to those who grieve your passing. Memory eternal.

Condolence From Phyllis Saretta (Phaedra)

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:30:16 EST

Marta was one of a kind and unforgettable -- a great presence and passionate about everything she did. She was enormously talented, and shared her gifts with her friends and sudents. Marta had that "joie de vivre," and a great sense of humor; anyone who spent time with her knows how much laughter there could be. She will be greatly missed, but her spirit will dance on amongst us. Good Night Dear Marta, and may "flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Condolence From Morwenna Assaf

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:07:53 EST

I remember Marta as a dynamic instructor who worked the human body to perfection. I studied with her in the late 70's and early 80's. She was beyond describing. I have followed her life even after not being able to get to her studio in Manahatttan. I now live in Southern CA but her teachings have followed me always. Anyone lucky enough to have been touched by her life is truly blessed. You will be missed my all that you worked so hard for.

Condolence From Sharon Azar

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:20:48 EST

Martha Graham said, "Dance is the hidden language of the soul." Graham's quote so reminds me of Marta, for she was and will always be a soul speaker. Dance on, Marta, when the sky is that clear, deep ultramarine, we'll see you dancing along with all the other stars

Condolence From Elizabeth Levy (Levanah)

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:45:09 EST

Marta contributed her great sense of passion and artistry. I will always appreciate what I learned from her. May she rest in peace. Levanah