Frank Bays in rehearsal for Façade with Frederick Ashton. Photo by Herbert Migdoll.
Born in Bristol, Virginia, Frank Bays will be remembered as a distinguished ambassador of dance. His lengthy and prolific contribution to the dance community spanned over thirty years. He was a soloist with the Joffrey Ballet in New York City and the First Chamber Dance Company. He also enjoyed a distinguished teaching career at Cornish College of the Arts, the First Chamber Dance Company in Seattle, Washington, Summer Dance Lab and numerous regional companies.
Mr. Bays was a dance mentor and friend to many and the imprint of his wisdom and kindness remains with them to this day. He had an extraordinary devotion to people and animals. In 1997, he founded Cliffhanger, a kennel instrumental in saving the Norwegian Lundehund, a rare breed of dog. He also raised and bred Scottish Deerhounds and was a pioneer in the breeding of Pygmy Goats in the Pacific Northwest.
The Norwegian Lundehund Research Fund has been established in Mr. Bay's memory for his beloved breed. Contributions can be made to:
The Norwegian Lundehund Association of America
C/o Terry Tetzlaff, Treasurer
715 SE 11th Street, Battleground, WA 98604 Please specify the Frank Bays Memorial Fund.
