Viki Atkinson, R.I.P. – Memorial Location Announced

We deeply regret having to report the loss of our friend and colleague, the distinguished dancer, choreographer, teacher, and critic Viki Atkinson. A formal obit will follow, as will an announcement of arrangements. For now, we share here her CVNC bio.

Viki Atkinson danced professionally in musical theater for a number of years, later shifting her focus to choreographing for theater. In Raleigh, NC, she danced in the North Carolina Theatre productions of Cabaret, My Fair Lady, Man of La Mancha, Oklahoma!, and West Side Story. Additional performance credits included Kathy in Company and the title role in Gypsy. Later, Ms. Atkinson served as chief dance critic for Spectator Magazine from 1987 to 1999. In 1989, she was invited to be a fellow at the American Dance Festival’s Dance Critics Conference, facilitated by former New York Times Dance Critic Don McDonagh. Ms. Atkinson held a degree in Dance Education from UNC-Greensboro. She taught dance at Meredith College, NC State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School, and the School of Richmond Ballet. She was on the faculty of the Raleigh School of Ballet for ten years and directed the dance program at Martin Middle School in Raleigh for four years.

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The obit was published May 19:

Viki Karen Atkinson died on May 14 after spending nearly a year outwitting a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Viki grew up in Fayetteville, NC, inheriting a deep love and appreciation of the arts and gardening from her parents, Frederick Lee and Betty Rogers Atkinson.

A memorial scholarship has been set up to provide dance education to young people. Gifts may be mailed to Arts Together, 114 Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC 27605 or made at artstogether.org. Please note that your gift is in Viki’s memory.

A celebration of Viki’s life will be held on June 11 from 3-6 p.m. at the Raleigh School of Ballet, 3921 Beryl Rd., off Hillsborough Street near Meredith College. The very short service will start at 4:30. (Brian Crisp, a minister and friend of the family, will share a few words about Viki, and then Viki’s longtime friend Juanda Holley will sing.) Before and after that, we hope everyone will just enjoy meeting other friends of Viki’s and being together. We will wrap up by 6. Please visit https://honoringviki.wordpress.com/plans-for-a-celebration-of-vikis-life/ for details.