A talented pianist and accompanist, from 1979 to 2000, Graham Upcraft accompanied many aspiring dancers at York University during their practices and performances. Upcraft died Jan. 17 in Toronto. He was in his 80th year.
Upcraft was educated at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England. He was the musical director for the Laban Art of Movement Studio, the Royal Ballet School and Company, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadians, the National Ballet of Canada of Canada School and company founder, as well a member of Dance Department York University. He worked at York University from September 1970 to June 2000.
Upcraft was co-owner, with his wife Pat, of the Thornhill School of Ballet, and continued to play for Cawthra Park School of the Arts, and All That Dance Studio, until this year.
He was predeceased by his wife Pat and leaves two children and two grandchildren. A memorial service has taken place. Memorial donations to the Canadian Liver Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family.