Although the official cause of his death was not immediately released, the Chicago Tribune said he fought a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.

The choreographer and dancer is credited with bringing the New York-based Joffrey back from the brink of financial ruin and moving the company to Chicago in 1995, thereby giving the Windy City the prestige of having its own famed ballet troupe -- one that had the distinction of being the first U.S. dance company to perform at both the White House and in the Soviet Union, the newspaper noted.

Arpino agreed to step down as artistic director last year and supported the decision to have Ashley Wheater take over the post. Co-founder Robert Joffrey died in 1988.

"I think I was drawn to dance because it's total theater," Arpino told the Tribune in a 2005 interview. "Through the unspoken word, through movement, you can accomplish so much. With a hand. With the shake of a fist."