Partner Barton Mumaw, Ted Shawn
John Christian (1921 - April 26, 1982) was the director of the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. Barton Mumaw, considered "the American Nijinsky," began a relationship with a John Christian, at the time a stage manager for the company. Mumaw introduced Ted Shawn to Christian. Later, Shawn formed a partnership with John Christian, with whom he stayed from 1949 until his death in 1972.
Born John Christian Ammann in Riverhead, L.I., in 1921, Christian attended the University of Wisconsin and studied dance with Nenette Charisse. A longtime associate of Ted Shawn, founder of the festival and a leading figure in early American modern dance, Christian had served as stage manager for Shawn's solo tour in 1948 and was subsequently invited to supervise sets, costumes and lighting at the festival. He also worked with Shawn on auditioning performers, organizing the festival schedule and acting as administrator and host for the festival.
Christian died on April 26, 1982, in Eustis, Fla., after suffering several weeks from a respiratory illness.
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