Amy Laura Bargiel’s remarkable journey in dance ended at age 63 when brain cancer claimed her life. She entered the world on September 12, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. Many remember her as Desi Arnaz Jr.’s wife during their 28-year marriage, yet her artistic achievements created a legacy of their own.
Her talent and dedication shaped an impressive career that extended far beyond her connection to the famous Arnaz family. Dame Sonia Arova’s training at the San Diego Ballet Company prepared her for success. She later became a principal dancer at the Nevada Dance Theater, where she performed under Vassili Sulich’s direction for ten years[-3]. Her creative spirit led her to write a trilogy of semi-biographical children’s books, expanding her artistic reach.
Boulder City residents showed their deep affection for Amy through a touching tribute. They released pink balloons to honor her memory after she passed away on January 23, 2015. The community cherished her as “a loving wife, mother, friend to all, and an extraordinary dance teacher”. Her legacy lives on through her artistic excellence, community service, and the lives she touched profoundly.
Amy Laura Bargiel’s Early Life and Dance Roots
Childhood in Chicago and family background
Amy Laura Bargiel was born on September 12, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. The vibrant atmosphere of the Windy City during the 1950s sparked her love for performing arts. Chicago’s rich cultural scene shaped her artistic sensibilities and became the foundation for her future dance career.
Most dancers start their training as young children, but Amy found her passion for ballet later than usual. Her natural talent and determination helped her advance faster once she committed to the art form. Her family’s unwavering support gave her the confidence to pursue her artistic dreams.
Training at San Diego State University
Amy’s dance education reached new heights when she enrolled at San Diego State University. The university’s formal dance program equipped her with vital technical training and exposed her to dance styles of all types that would benefit her entire career.
She had a unique chance to train with Dame Sonia Arova at the San Diego Ballet Company. Dame Arova, a Bulgarian-born ballerina who had performed with the world’s finest ballet companies, became Amy’s mentor. This intensive training period refined her technique and artistry, preparing her for the professional world ahead.
Becoming a principal dancer in Nevada
Amy’s career soared when she joined the Nevada Dance Theater after completing her education and original professional experiences. Under Vassili Sulich’s artistic direction, she stood out with her technical excellence and expressive performances. Her talent and dedication earned her the role of principal dancer—a position she held for ten remarkable years.
Amy’s role as principal dancer let her perform lead parts in many productions that helped develop her artistic voice and stage presence. She grew both technically and artistically during these formative years and established herself as a respected figure in the regional dance community. Her time at Nevada Dance Theater built her reputation as a serious artist and set the stage for her future work in dance education and community arts programming in Boulder City.
Love, Marriage, and Joining the Arnaz Legacy
Meeting Desi Arnaz Jr. through New Life Foundation
Amy Laura Bargiel’s spiritual journey led her to meet her future husband unexpectedly. Both Amy and Desi Arnaz Jr. followed Vernon Howard’s teachings at the New Life Foundation, a non-profit organization that offered self-development programs in Boulder City, Nevada. Their paths crossed at the time Desi served as the organization’s national spokesperson in the late 1970s or early 1980s. Their friendship grew over several years before turning into romance.
“I liked Desi because he was very interested in the spiritual side of life,” Amy shared with The Washington Times. “He liked my dance studio. He was so down-to-earth, plus I thought he was very handsome”.
Wedding and blending families
The couple tied the knot on October 8, 1987, after dating for three years. Guy Finley, one of the ministers from the New Life Foundation, performed their ceremony. Desi’s famous mother Lucille Ball, her husband Gary Morton, and his sister Lucie Arnaz joined 150 guests to celebrate their special day.
The couple stayed focused on their careers instead of taking a honeymoon right away. Desi traveled nationwide to present “success without stress seminars” and developed film projects. Amy managed to keep her packed schedule of dance classes.
Adoption of Haley and life in Nevada
Amy’s daughter Haley, from her previous brief marriage to Gary Charf (1975-1976), became part of their new family. Desi showed his commitment by legally adopting Haley, who proudly took the Arnaz surname.
The family split their time between Boulder City, Nevada, and Beverly Hills, California, before settling permanently in Nevada. Their shared life reflected both artistic passion and spiritual values. Desi saved the historic Boulder Theater from potential destruction in 1997. The restored venue became home to Amy’s Boulder City Ballet Company.
Their loving partnership lasted nearly 28 years until Amy passed away from cancer in 2015 at age 63.
A Life of Art: Dance, Theater, and Writing
Amy Laura Bargiel built a rich artistic legacy in Boulder City through her creative pursuits. She moved to the area in the late 1970s and started what would become her lasting contributions to the community.
Founding the Boulder City Ballet Company
Amy and her husband Desi Arnaz Jr. opened Dance Etc. and the Boulder City Ballet Company. Her dance studio quickly became the heart of local arts, drawing students who wanted to learn from her expertise. She managed to keep high standards while creating a welcoming space for dancers of all ages.
Restoring the Historic Boulder Theater
The couple made a bold move in 1997 by purchasing the Historic Boulder Theater, which was almost in ruins. Their careful restoration work revolutionized the venue into the Boulder City Ballet Company’s permanent home. This project saved a historic landmark and on top of that, it created a space dedicated to dance education and performances.
Writing the ‘Little Haley Stories’ trilogy
Amy’s creativity extended beyond dance into writing. She worked with her friend Ellen Dickstein to write the ‘Little Haley Stories’ trilogy—three semi-biographical children’s books about a blonde, brown-eyed ballet dancer. The series—’The Magic Tutu,’ ‘Juliana Cuddles,’ and ‘Clara’s Nutcracker’—drew inspiration from her daughter Haley’s life experiences. Students from her dance company, Amy Eschner, Brynlee Campbell, and Lauren Cluver, created the cover artwork.
Producing community dance performances
‘The Nutcracker’ became a beloved holiday tradition under Amy’s direction. Former City Councilman Cam Walker joined many community members who performed in these Christmas shows. Her outstanding work earned recognition from the 109th Congress and the prestigious Spirit of Nevada Award. She helped thousands of students master their dance skills throughout her career. Among them was 17-year-old George McLachlan, who credited the Arnazes for helping him land his first television role.
Final Years, Illness, and Lasting Impact
Diagnosis and battle with brain cancer
Amy Laura Bargiel’s vibrant experience took an unexpected turn after her brain cancer diagnosis in January 2013. She showed remarkable strength as she battled the illness for two years. Her steadfast dedication to dance and community never wavered during treatment. She ended up passing away peacefully on January 23, 2015, at age 63, with her loving family by her side.
Community tributes and balloon memorial
Boulder City residents came together on March 6, 2015, to celebrate their beloved “Miss Amy” with a heartfelt tribute. The community released hundreds of pink, heart-shaped balloons into the cornflower blue sky. Mourners signed a 6-foot-long banner that displayed Amy’s photo and the words “Keep Dancing and Love”.
Katherine Kirk, a former student, shared, “I always remember her smile and hug. No matter what was happening, she would always have time to speak with you”. Haley Arnaz couldn’t hide her amazement at the community’s response: “I can’t believe how many people love my mom and how many people came for her”.
Legacy in the dance world and beyond
Amy’s influence lives on through her students, especially Jayme Server, who became a professional dancer at Disneyland. Server credits her success to Amy’s welcoming spirit: “She just made everyone feel so at home at her little studio”.
The 109th Congress recognized her achievements, and she earned the Spirit of Nevada Award for her contributions to children in Southern Nevada. Amy Laura Bargiel built a lasting artistic legacy through her Boulder City Ballet Company and trilogy of children’s books that continues to inspire dancers and community members today.
Conclusion
Amy Laura Bargiel lived a life rich in artistic expression, community service, and family values. Her experience from Chicago to Boulder City helped her change countless lives through her love of dance. Her work at the Boulder City Ballet Company and Dance Etc. gave generations of dancers a chance to find their own artistic voices.
Marriage to Desi Arnaz Jr. connected her to Hollywood royalty, but Amy managed to keep her identity as an accomplished artist. She and her husband saved the Historic Boulder Theater, which became a permanent home for dance education. Her creativity reached beyond performance when she wrote a children’s book trilogy inspired by her daughter’s experiences.
The community showed their deep love after her death. Pink balloons soared into the sky as proof of the connections she had fostered during her years of teaching and performing. Her students now carry her legacy forward, and many credit their professional success to her guidance.
Amy Laura Bargiel’s story goes beyond being just a celebrity spouse’s tale. Her life shows dedication to art, spiritual growth, and community building. She passed away too soon at 63, but her effect lives on through every dancer she taught, every show in the restored theater, and every child who finds dance through her books. Boulder City’s arts scene and community will feel her remarkable contributions for generations.
FAQs
Q1. Who was Amy Laura Bargiel? Amy Laura Bargiel was a talented dancer, choreographer, and author who became the wife of Desi Arnaz Jr. She founded the Boulder City Ballet Company and was known for her contributions to dance education and community arts in Nevada.
Q2. What was Amy Laura Bargiel’s connection to the Arnaz family? Amy Laura Bargiel married Desi Arnaz Jr. on October 8, 1987, after meeting through the New Life Foundation. Their marriage lasted 28 years until her passing in 2015.
Q3. What were Amy Laura Bargiel’s major artistic accomplishments? Amy was a principal dancer for the Nevada Dance Theater, founded the Boulder City Ballet Company, restored the Historic Boulder Theater, and authored a trilogy of children’s books called the ‘Little Haley Stories’.
Q4. How did Amy Laura Bargiel impact her community? Amy made significant contributions to Boulder City’s arts scene through her dance studio, annual productions of ‘The Nutcracker’, and by providing dance education to thousands of students. She also received recognition from Congress and the Spirit of Nevada Award for her work with children.
Q5. What is Amy Laura Bargiel’s lasting legacy? Amy’s legacy lives on through her dance students, the restored Boulder Theater, her children’s books, and the lasting impact she made on the Boulder City community. Her dedication to dance and the arts continues to inspire new generations of performers and artists.
