Yet some dancers who knew him say that he had little dramatic sense.

Both dancers said they were given a mixed drink at the party.

"At first the dancers were saying, 'How can we live with this every day for the next two years?' "

The dancers have said they will not perform without a new contract.

"I have never been out of work," he said, "which is not something most dancers can say."

The dancers say they need a new contract to protect their jobs, safety and health.

Usually, the dancers say, there is at least one $20 bill.

It will be hard, the dancers say, to get the momentum back quickly.

One dancer says a few words for the entire company.

By sharing costs, the dancers say, they can keep their art alive in difficult times.