Julian LittlefordAugust 14, 1960–August 31, 2013Julian Littleford, an internationally recognized leader in Pilates fitness training, former principal dancer with The Martha Graham Company, and much-loved husband, father, and friend died of cancer at his home in San Diego on August 31, 2013, at the age of 53.
Julian not only led a remarkable life, but he led it remarkably well. As a boy growing up outside London, England, he excelled at gymnastics and like many boys enjoyed playing rugby. He also discovered an affinity for dance. He soon realized he wanted nothing more than to dance and, at the age of 17, headed to London to study and pursue a career in modern dance.
His exceptional talent and hard work soon led him to New York City and a coveted position performing with The Martha Graham Company, working directly with the iconic Martha Graham herself. He became a principal dancer for Graham, performing lead roles in many of her classic pieces, and had the opportunity to teach some of those roles to the likes of Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov when they gave special performances with the Graham Company.
Dance gave Julian not only artistic fulfillment but also introduced him to the love of his life, his wife, Carol S. Mead. They met when Carol joined The Martha Graham Company: they performed together around the world and were married in 1985.
At the age of 26, Julian had his first battle with cancer. Despite debilitating surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, he continued to perform and eventually emerged cancer-free. In 1990 he and Carol retired from performing, crossed the country and made San Diego their home.
Despite doctors’ prognoses that his cancer treatments would prevent him from ever having children, he and Carol were blessed with a baby, Samantha, in 1996, and another, Thomas, in 2001. His “miracle” children were sources of great joy for Julian and, just as his natural talent and hard work made him an exceptional dancer, so, too, did his natural talent and hard work make him an exceptional father. He lavished love upon his children, supported them steadfastly, and honored what makes each of them who they uniquely are. He taught them life’s lessons by example, demonstrating the rewards that come from working hard at what you love; practicing respect, kindness and honor toward others; and underscoring, every day, that love of family is paramount.
In San Diego, Julian leveraged the entrepreneurial skills and spirit he had learned from his father and opened one of the first Pilates studios in the area. He was a pioneer in evolving Pilates from a body conditioning method available to only an elite few to a pathway to better health and fitness accessible to everyone. His JL Body Conditioning Pilates studio quickly became a cornerstone of San Diego’s health and fitness community. As a Master Teacher, Julian was a sought-after guest instructor at top health and fitness resorts, retreats and centers around the world. Julian transformed countless bodies, helping people overcome injury, fatigue, and reach new heights of health and well-being. He passed along his keen understanding of Pilates and body conditioning as a teacher to a new generation of Pilates instructors.
In typical Julian style, he defied the odds and surpassed doctors’ expectations by not just surviving, but truly living—remarkably well—for more than two years after he was diagnosed with new cancer in 2011. Despite grueling treatments, Julian continued to work, teach, and be a steadfast partner to his wife and father to his children. He never complained. He loved life.
Julian is survived by his wife, Carol S. Mead, and their two children, Samantha and Thomas Littleford of San Diego; parents David and Christine Littleford of Hertford, England; and sister Mandy McDougall of Wormley, England.
Friends are invited to share in a Celebration of Julian’s Life Sunday, September 22, 2013, 3:00 PM at: JL Body Conditioning Studio, 2010 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA.In lieu of flowers and in honor of his advocacy and love of the arts, contributions may be made in Julian’s memory to Villa Musica non-profit music school in San Diego (858.550.8100) or Kaleidoscope Dance Company in Indianapolis, IN, (317.940. 6555)
