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The Sweet Briar community was saddened to learn of the death of Petrus Bosman, choreographer, dancer and adjunct instructor of ballet at the College since 1994.

Bosman died suddenly July 19, 2008, while engaged as guest choreographer with Jordan Academy in Indianapolis, according to the Lynchburg News and Advance. He was 80 years old.

Petrus BosmanBosman had been the artistic director of the Virginia School of the Arts for 17 years until his retirement at the end of 2006 when he was given the title of artistic director emeritus.

A native of South Africa, Bosman began an 18-year association with the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden in 1959. Under the direction of Sir Frederick Ashton, he partnered with Merle Park in “Les Rendezvous,” was featured as Kastchei in “Firebird” and performed in the Florestan pas de trois in “Sleeping Beauty.”

Noted for his classical roles in “Giselle,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Nutcracker” and “Les Sylphides,” Bosman also created witty character portrayals as the widow Simone in “La Fille Mal Gardée,” an ugly sister (opposite Ashton).

During his years in London, Bosman produced a series of charity galas sponsored by members of the Royal Family, working closely with Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret. The events featured Margot Fonteyn, Rudolph Nureyev, Merle Park, Antoinette Sibley, Ashton and Bosman.

“The fount of knowledge that Petrus possessed on the history of dance was truly amazing,” said Mark Magruder, director of the College’s dance program.

“We were so lucky to have in our presence at Sweet Briar a person who actually danced with and knew some of the greatest names in dance history. Petrus Bosman partnered with Margot Fonteyn, who was regarded as one of greatest ballerinas of all time.”

His knowledge of dance and extraordinary resume might not be what his students remember him for most, however. Bosman’s verbal one-liners were non-stop, Magruder said, an observation borne out on a Facebook page created in his memory.

“The students who took classes with Petrus were often treated to his wonderful witticisms and ingenious banter, but whether they knew it or not, they were in the presence of true mastery.”

Magruder knows Sweet Briar can find an instructor to teach ballet as well as Bosman, but there will be no replacing him.

“It’s going to be tough,” he said of missing his longtime friend and colleague. “You’re never going to have an entity who is Petrus.”

Bosman is survived by his sister, Joyce Basson of Capetown, South Africa. Plans for a memorial celebration in his honor will be announced at a later date.