Jonathan Phelps
Jonathan Phelps Performing Artist LEE Jonathan Phelps, 42, formerly of Camp Hill, Pa., passed away while at home in Lee on Jan. 10, 2009, after complications from recent heart surgery. He was the son of the late Richard and Laura Phelps of Camp Hill. He leaves his partner, Chet Walker of Lee and Ridgewood, N.J.; sister, Lee Yarlet of Camp Hill; brother, David Phelps of Woodstock, Ga.; niece, Emily Replogle, and nephew, David Phelps II. Jonathan was a graduate of Cedar Cliff High and the Harrisburg Arts Magnet Schools. In 1988, he graduated from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. He was best known for his exceptional dance artistry and for his critically acclaimed choreography. He was also a Master Teacher much respected around the world for his classes in modern dance, ballet, jazz, and musical theater. Jonathan was also noted for his writing of short stories, plays, musicals, and poetry. Jonathan is perhaps best known for his years touring both the United States and internationally performing with the acclaimed Ailey American Dance Theatre. He had many performing credits with off-Broadway productions, leading roles with the New York City and Philadelphia Opera Companies, television credits including Emmy Award winning "A Hymn for Alvin Ailey" and a European tour of "The Dancing Man." He directed and choreographed numerous regional and touring productions and was a founding member of Walker/Dance of New York City. For the past several years, he had been on the jazz and musical theatre teaching staff at Jacob's Pillow in Becket, and had served as Adjudicator for Regional Dance America's Festival northeast and southeast regions. Throughout his career, 26 of his ballets were selected and presented in Regional Dance America Festivals. Numerous regional ballet companies have performed his works including the Harrisburg Ballet, Pennsylvania Regional Ballet and the Philadelphia Dance Theatre. In 1998, he was a recipient of the coveted LOEW Fellowship by The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Later, Jonathan received the renowned National Choreographic Award. MEMORIAL NOTICE:  A celebration of Jonathan's life will be held in April in New York City. Details are in the "Tribute in NYC" section of this website. www.jonathanphelps.org.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Jonathan Phelps Scholarship and The Jonathan Phelps Endowment for the Arts.  Information can be found in the "JP Scholarships" section of this website.