Dancer Tiffany Glenn died Monday at the age of 33 after a six-year battle with cancer. Glenn, who performed with Ballet San Jose, calmly and unflinchingly confronted the illness with a courage and resolve that moved her friends and colleagues.
She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in June 2006 at the age of 27. After undergoing a mastectomy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, she returned to Ballet San Jose with a shaved head to dance in the Nutcracker that December.
A Nichiren Buddhist by choice, Glenn performed with Dance Theatre of Harlem and trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center before coming to California. She taught hip hop dance at a San Jose dance school when she wasn’t with the ballet.
In 2009, she choreographed a contemporary three-part ballet to a trio of songs from the soul singer John Legend. “I wanted to expose people to the idea that we don’t have to always have ballet to classical music,” Glenn said.
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Tenisha Harrison Mon, Jun 18, 2012 - 6:50 pm
I did not have the pleasure of knowing this angel, however she danced with two of my closest friends LaMeka and Lindsey. My mom is currently undergoing chemo for breast cancer so this hits very close to home. I just want to extend my sincere condolences to all that knew and loved Tiffany. May God bless.
Susan Pratcher Mon, Jun 18, 2012 - 7:05 pm
We met you during Umoja 2012 and we were so blessed by your presence. You were so amazing and beautiful and we are better because we got to know you. May you dance with the angels now. Rest In Peace!
Kayoko Mon, Jun 18, 2012 - 8:41 pm
I only knew her for very short time, but I had some good conversation with her, I’ve been chanting for her ever since I
heard her battle, and I know so many others did also, I chanted and reported Gohonzon that she is very strong faith Bud…dhist, and we need her back here very soon! And I know she will come back very fast and will fight for Kosen Rufu with brand new healthy body!!! Rest in Peace Tiffany, and we’ll see you soon!!!
Athena McMahon Mon, Jun 18, 2012 - 9:11 pm
Tiffany Glen was a good friend of mine..and we will miss her greatly. She was very courageous with this disease. It was an honor to know her.
Corrie Mon, Jun 18, 2012 - 10:13 pm
I am so sorry to hear this news. What a beautifully talented woman. Godspeed.
Iega Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 7:02 am
I’ve had the blessing of knowing Tiff since she was a child of six or seven (I think). Her beautiful and gifted mother, Tammy Hurt, danced with my company, JUBILATION! in NY, where Tiff would often watch rehearsals. While Tiffany did go onto study at DTH and Ailey, a major source of here training was provided by the legendary Jones/Haywood School in Washington, DC. It was a wonderful school where so many great dancers of color were trained, especially during a time when there was far less access to serious ballet training for people if color.
Most recently, I reconnected with Tiffany while she danced with Collage Dance Collective in Memphis, TN. Over the past two years I had the pleasure of setting two works on the company and Tiff danced in both. We last worked together in April when I set the second dance, “Wild Is The Wind”. Through her “process” with cancer, she remained gracious, radiant, resilient, and committed to living her full life. As Brandy, Tiffany’s dear friend and fellow dancer shared ... “Tiffany set the example. How can we be down when she’s been so bright.” ... Truer words have never been spoken.
Tiffany, you lived an inspired life! I love you and I’m inspired by you. Tammy; thank you for guiding Tiff through this life. You were a powerful and precious mother to your daughter and you remain a precious “mother force” to so many others as you continue to teach.
Best,
Iega
Jelani Tendai Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 7:09 am
This was very sad and touching to read. May her beautiful soul rest in paradise
Carol Scarver Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 7:14 am
I knew Tiffany all of her life. Her mom and I grew up together. Tiffany’s strength and courage in learning, living, loathing and fighting this horrible disease was more than admirable. It is so sad that she suffered through this at such a young age…but never complained and always had a positive mindset. I like to think that Tiffany did not lose the fight with cancer, she won the battle to no longer suffer. She may not be here physically, but spiritually she will live forever in our hearts, minds, love and always through her dance! Rest in peace, Tiffany!
Adrian Vincent James Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 8:11 am
I have known Tiffany since birth and was fortunate to dance in her first Nut-Kracker as Dr. Drosselmeyer to her Clara. I have also been blessed to capture her on film and video for the world to enjoy. Tiffany was a dancer’s dancer. Technique, grace, musicality, sharing,giving with a wonderful smile. Let us all celebrate her by smiling and being kind to one another. Fly high Tiff.
mia lovechild Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 10:41 am
a beautiful soul will be missed (((↭♥↭)))!
Antoine Hunter (Deaf Dancer) Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 11:29 am
Tiff - I gonna miss you - I had such amazing time dancing with you - You were basically my only real friend when I 1st move back to the Bay Area- we text- we check in- we dance and got busy- we were MIA for a few yrs and then we reconnect like it was yesterday- we encourage each other through hard time - to live the dream- I AM SO HAPPY OUR LAST CONVERSTATION HAD SO MUCH LAUGHTER AND LOVE- I MISS YOU AND LOVE TIFFANY GLENN!
Judy Leak Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 11:49 am
In 1993, Tiffany came to my daughter’s birthday party. She gave Morgan (now 23) a bouquet of flowers and balloons. Tiffany was dressed as a ballerina. Morgan was mesmerized by her peaceful/calm disposition, her exceptional technique and her striking beauty as she danced. It is clear that she was ordained to take the stage by storm and create her “Glenn” technique for the world. Tammy, she was your blessing and ours. I love you!
BRANDY LIPFORD Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 12:17 pm
I had the awesome privilege of meeting this beautiful young lady by way of Collage Dance Collective in Memphis, TN. She instructed my daughter’s first POINTE’ class during their 1st Summer Intensive in 2011. Also, I had the awesome task of working with her as the stylist for one of the Company’s (Collage’s) photo shoots that same year. My family grew very fond of Tiffany the short time we had with her. She possessed a very humble and meek spirit. My daughter (Bria) was inspired by her grace and poise. My sons, her natural beauty as she courageously battled cancer. Tiffany Glenn will be truly missed and we will forever cherish her memory. Brandy, Bria Lipford and Family…..
sharyn stein Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 2:08 pm
I was Tiffany’s 8th grade algebra teacher and 20 years later, I still clearly remember her grace, poise, beauty, and problem solving ability. Tiffany’s mom happened to be going back to school that year, and I remember Tiffany sharing stories with me about how she and her mom would both do their homework together at the kitchen table. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and close friends during this very difficult time.
Dorcas Gaines Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 2:24 pm
As an exceptionally beautiful, gracious, and easy person to love Tiffany brought trememdous joy and warmth to our family. Her talent, personality, gentle and loving spirit far exceed most people I have come to know. Truly a rare find. Tiffany was engaged to my nephew, Christopher, whom I believe loved her truly. She accepted our invitation to become one of our own, and fully participated in many of our family events such as weddings, Christmas, etc. She will be deeply missed by my entire family and sorely missed by Christopher and his mom (sister). My heart and prayers go out to her family, Christopher,and my sister. To all who loved her, may God bless and keep you from all harm.
roni mahler Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 2:24 pm
dear tiffany -
godspeed. you’re with the angels now. i will always remember your smile, your soul ... and your resolve.
love,
roni
Casey Lewis Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 3:28 pm
What a woman, she lived her dream while teaching others to live their’s through her courageous battle.
May she RIP and never be forgotten.
Gayle Stevenson, M.D. Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 4:14 pm
I will never forget your smile and bright eyes. I so much enjoyed going to the department stores picking out dresses that I thought you would like. The clothes looked so nice on you and the smile on your face when you tried them on. (I enjoyed treating you like you were my very own daughter). I’d think to myself, Tiffany is really going to love this!!! and I think to you did, right???? I know that my son Saudi (Christopher)and all of my family loved and adored you. We cannot forget Artois (you and Saudi’s white german sheppard), he would always cry whenever you and Saudi would leave him. So now my friend, I thank God and the universe for letting us enjoy such a wonderful one. I am so sorry and so sad you had to leave us. Until we meet again. My heart goes out to your family. Nam myoho renge kyo. Gayle
Crystal Thomas Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 4:44 pm
Heartfelt and sincere condolences to Tiffany’s mother, Tammy, other family and multitude of life long friends.
I pray that the life she lived in the face of her constant battle will become a sense of comfort to the many who loved and cherished her. What wonderful memories of poise, grace, creativity and beauty she leaves as her legacy! Without at doubt, she is, gone too soon . . . Will be keeping all loved ones in prayer.
Allison Rockwell Tue, Jun 19, 2012 - 7:30 pm
I am so saddened by this news. I danced with Tiffany in the Natasha Carlitz Dance Ensemble for one season. We actually auditioned together. I remember her strong, muscular body moving with such ease. And then there was her big, shining smile. She was beautiful to watch, as a dancer and as a person. And she lived fully despite her cancer which is heroic. Tiffany I have been praying you would feel enveloped by love. Now I pray your family will feel the love and support they need to continue in your absence.
David P. Martin Wed, Jun 20, 2012 - 1:06 am
Saddened by the loss of Tiffany Glenn. Her mother Tammy would sometimes bring Tiffany (age 2) to rehearsals when we were dancers in Howard U. productions. I remember Tiffany being a bundle of joy as a child and eventually seeing her in NYC as an aspiring and beautiful dancer. I’m blessed to have known her, and even more blessed to have seen her growth and maturity. Deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Peace and blessings. xoxo