- Date Of Death: October 25, 2005
- State: Connecticut
Joseph Vilane, known for over 40 years as a teacher, friend and mentor to students of dance, died Tuesday, October 25, 2005, at St. Vincenta(TM)s Hospital, Bridgeport. He was born Joseph Viggiano in
Shamokin, Pa., and was raised in Baltimore, Md., but left for New York City at the age of 18 to be a dancer. He performed in many Broadway shows with stars such as Ethel Merman and June Havoc, before establishing his dance schools in New Jersey, New York City and Connecticut. Mr. Vilane eventually settled in Bridgeport and focused on one studio, The Joe Vilane Dance and Theatre School and Ballroom Dance Center, which is now in Fairfield. Thousands of students of all ages and abilities studied various forms of dance, and also acting, in Mr. Vilanea(TM)s studio, which was eventually considered a landmark institution. Many went on to perform professionally, while others stayed for years studying for their own enjoyment. His friends will remember his recollections of his time in New York, studying under Martha Graham, whom he befriended and would escort to her home after class, and as a contemporary and friend of George Balanchine, Vera Ellen and Bob Fosse. Mr. Vilane also collected art and antiques, and particularly appreciated Native American jewelry and sculpture. No one will miss Mr. Vilane more than his devoted friend and studio manager of over 25 years, Robert Fleming, who ran the operations not only from the front desk, but also “behind the scenes,” signing up students, preparing costumes for recitals, and guiding the backstage elements of their yearly recitals. Instrumental to the recitals was his dear friend and original studio manager, Shelley Rothbard, who urged Mr. Vilane to initiate the recitals 30 years ago. The first recital was at their Charles Street studio, but by the next year it outgrew that space and became an annual event at the Klein Auditorium. The most recent recital was in June at the Playhouse on the Green. To his family, he was known as “Bud.” His mother, Anna M.
Viggiano (Palmisano); father, Joseph Viggiano; sisters Frances Marie Viggiano and Marianne Bauer; and a niece, Sharon Lynn Dyer, predecease him. He is survived by his brother-in-law Richard R.
“Dick” Bauer and his wife Patti Bauer; and four nieces and nephews: Richard M. Bauer, Jon J. Bauer, Joseph R. Bauer and Susan Anne Martin; and one great-niece, Krystal L. Dyer.
