Anzia was born in Amsterdam, New York November 25, 1926 and moved at an early age to New York City. There she studied with such notables as Madam Seda Suni, Edward Caton and Gluck Sandor among others. She was featured in many of the important original works that Gluck Sandor created for his innovative company Ballet Intime from 1943 through 1953. She originated the title role in his production of Fracesca DaRImini. Mr. Sandor had been instrumental as a choreographer for the Federal Theatre Project and Paramount Pictures among others. He is also remembered as one of Jerome Robbins early teachers and the performer Robbins turned to when casting the Rabbi in the original cast of Fiddler on the Roof.
Anzia also choreographed and performed in numerous Gilbert and Sullivan operettas with the New York Light Opera Company at the historic Provencetown Playhouse in Greenwich Village. It was there that she met her husband, actor / singer Ralph Arsenault. She also appeared on Broadway in musicals such as Louisiana Lady and Gay New Orleans. In the early 50’s she taught extensively at Madam Seda Suni’s studio in New York City. Madame Suni, a member of the Mordkin Ballet (a predecessor to Ballet Theatre) was best known for developing Leon Danielion and Jacques d’Amboise.
After the birth of their son Keith, the family moved to Tampa, Florida in November of 1953. There she became one of the true pioneers of dance in Florida. First heading Anzia’s School of Ballet and then Tampa Ballet Arts where for decades she trained and even more importantly inspired dancers who have gone on to international performing careers and become important dance educators in their own right.
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Anzia also choreographed and performed in numerous Gilbert and Sullivan operettas with the New York Light Opera Company at the historic Provencetown Playhouse in Greenwich Village. It was there that she met her husband, actor / singer Ralph Arsenault. She also appeared on Broadway in musicals such as Louisiana Lady and Gay New Orleans. In the early 50’s she taught extensively at Madam Seda Suni’s studio in New York City. Madame Suni, a member of the Mordkin Ballet (a predecessor to Ballet Theatre) was best known for developing Leon Danielion and Jacques d’Amboise.
After the birth of their son Keith, the family moved to Tampa, Florida in November of 1953. There she became one of the true pioneers of dance in Florida. First heading Anzia’s School of Ballet and then Tampa Ballet Arts where for decades she trained and even more importantly inspired dancers who have gone on to international performing careers and become important dance educators in their own right.
Continue reading here...
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