Gerald Arpino, who co-founded the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet and oversaw its move from New York to Chicago, died Wednesday at his home in Chicago. He was 85.Arpino, a dancer and choreographer when he established the troupe in 1956 with its namesake, the late Robert Joffrey, died after a prolonged illness, ballet spokeswoman Beth Silverman said.
"He moved people, he gave them beauty, he gave them excitement," said Ashley Wheater, who last year succeeded Arpino as the Joffrey's artistic director. "He allowed people to go to the ballet and not be intimidated by it."
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