The Passing of a Legend in Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Patricia Wilde (July 16, 1928 - July 17, 2021) will always be remembered as one of the most mesmerizing ballet dancers to live. Her journey in ballet began at age 3, continued well beyond retirement, and leaves a legacy to this day. Wilde was known for her unrelenting passion, brilliant dance technique, and willingness to meet any challenge thrown her way. She captivated the ballet industry as a dancer, becoming the lead ballerina in George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet. After retiring in 1965, she became a prominent instructor and leader at the Harkness Ballet School, New York City Ballet, and American Ballet Theater. In 1982, she challenged societal norms in becoming one of the first female Artistic Directors, taking charge of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT).
Coincidentally, UPMC Orthopaedic chairmen at that time, Dr. Albert Ferguson, was good friends with Loti Falk. The Falk family recognized the importance of PBT within Pittsburgh’s culture and supported the ballet theatre philanthropically. Ferguson, along with Dr. Pierce Scranton and the team of orthopaedic surgeons provided medical care to PBT. Wilde recognized the importance of this care and strengthened the connection between PBT and UPMC. She strived for comprehensive medical care, going beyond musculoskeletal health to also promote AIDS prevention, smoking cessation, and overall well-being.
In 1983, the honor of caring for PBT was handed from Ferguson to Dr. Freddie Fu. Dr. Fu embraced this opportunity, partnering with Wilde to establish the UPMC Sports Medicine Program at PBT. In 1985, Wilde opened the door to the first Pittsburgh Dance Symposium, which included prominent dance medicine physicians such as Dr. William Hamilton and Dr. John Bergfield. The variety of specialists in attendance represented the broad spectrum of care that Patricia Wilde wanted to establish for her ballet dancers. UPMC orthopaedics have had the privilege of taking care of PBT members for 40 years now. Dr. Fu and Patricia Wilde became dear friends over these years, talking frequently until her passing. Wilde’s journey transcended ballet dance and paved the way for UPMC orthopaedic dance medicine.
