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Celebrating Susan Jones

50th Anniversary with American Ballet Theatre

Photo: Gene Schiavone.
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Celebrating Susan Jones

On January 11, 1971, Susan Jones joined American Ballet Theatre as a member of the corps de ballet. Now, fifty years later, she continues to be an integral part of the Company. She began her transition to the Artistic staff assisting Twyla Tharp on Push Comes to Shove in 1976 and has served as Regisseur under three Artistic Directors.

The ABT family is proud to congratulate Susan on this milestone anniversary!  

Photo: Sarah Sterner.Photo: Sarah Sterner.

"There are people in most organizations who stand out in every generation’s experience. Susan’s influence on our reputation for excellence , especially in the corps de ballet, has been felt and experienced by more dancers at ABT through the years than any other individual in our history. No small feat. Lucky us!"

- Kevin McKenzie, ABT Artistic Director

Susan Jones as the Cowgirl in Rodeo.
Photo: Kenn Duncan.

Susan Jones in Company class circa 1977.
Photo courtesy of Susan Jones.

"50 years of extraordinary work, dedication, care, expertise, energy. I always felt, when we worked together, your shoulder next to me, and your advice and your support - I will never forget that feeling. "

- Mikhail Baryshnikov, Former ABT Artistic Director and Principal Dancer

Susan Jones, Charles Yang, Twyla Tharp, and Gillian Murphy
at the curtain call for Bach Partita in 2013.
Photo: Gene Schiavone.

Susan Jones in rehearsal for Twyla Tharp’s Deuce Coupe.
Photo: Rosalie O’Connor.

"Jonesy, Congratulations. This is to acknowledge having thrown you in the deep end in 1976 and having had your swimming participation thereafter through so many adventures. Darling, virtual bouquet!"

- Twyla Tharp, Choreographer

Susan Jones and Julie Kent in Romeo and Juliet.
Photo: Rosalie O’Connor.

Clinton Luckett, Susan Jones, and Daniil Simkin in The Bright Stream.
Photo: Gene Schiavone.

"It is hard to believe 50 years have gone by when I think about you, your achievements, and how much you have done for ABT. I love how you are incredibly organized, you think clearly without any nonsense, direct to the point... You always know my expectations, and what I want for the dancers to achieve. You are also close to the dancers' humanity and you are there if they need help and encouragement. Thank you, thank you, Susan for all these years."

- Natalia Makarova, Choreographer and Former ABT Principal Dancer

Susan Jones and Gillian Murphy in Giselle.
Photo: Gene Schiavone.

Georgina Parkinson, Susan Jones, and Maria Riccetto in Onegin.
Photo: Gene Schiavone.

"There’s no way you could think of ABT, the ladies corps de ballet especially, without thinking of Susan. A true staple within the Company who has nurtured many generations of dancers from the first days of flapping their wings and learning to breathe as one. You make us feel that our role in the Company is needed and important, teaching us not only the choreography but the reason and the history behind it. That we aren’t simply raising an arm, that we’re lifting a wing to shield ourselves from Siegfried’s bow. You help us see why we do what we do and why it matters. Your job can be a thankless one, for we are the ones who receive the applause from the audience - well today we applaud you and say thank you. Happy Anniversary!"

- Alexandra Basmagy, ABT Corps de Ballet

Susan Jones and Frederic Franklin in Romeo and Juliet.
Photo: Rosalie O’Connor.

Susan Jones in rehearsal with Paul Taylor.
Photo: Rosalie O’Connor.

"If anyone is going to write the biography of ABT it’s going to be you, you were in the room where it happened. You know the most about the company, you’ve seen almost every performance, every dancer – and that’s what I love about you. Your home is ABT, you love the theater. But I think one of the great accomplishments is putting back togetherBach Partita. Seeing that come together, and everyone cast was perfect. If you do one thing in your life, that to me, is one of your greatest accomplishments. And so, congratulations, 50 years!"

- Robert La Fosse, Former ABT Principal Dancer

Susan Jones and Alexei Ratmansky in rehearsal for Harlequinade.
Photo: Rosalie O’Connor.

Denise Warner Limoli and Susan Jones at the
National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs in 2011.
Photo courtesy of Denise Warner Limoli.

"Roommates. On stage Bookends. "Seesters." Forever Friends. Congratulations, dear Susan, with all my love."

- Denise Warner Limoli, Former ABT Dancer