Richard Holden (Richka) is an extremely accomplished and unsung artist. As a dancer, a musician, choreologist, illustrator and writer (see the link to the right that will take you to his free online memoir), there seems no aspect of dance history where he has not played a part. We encountered each other as he was meticulously recording major choreography for Harkness Ballet that is recorded forever. He did this for many major companies after establishing himself as a dancer of several diverse forms, most especially Russian folk dance. He plays the Balalaika (a Russian stringed instrument) as well as the piano, and his memoir is full of his wonderful illustrations of his unique path in growing up.
Richka as Petrushka
Richka in “Petrushka” by Dance Southwest (other dancers unknown)
Beautiful silhouette of Harkness House entrance (courtesy of Richard Holden)
Harkness Ballet 