Remembering Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux: A Ballet Legend
Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, a luminary in the ballet world, passed away on April 13 at the age of 82 due to heart failure, as confirmed by his ex-wife Patricia McBride, a former ballerina with the New York City Ballet. He died in an assisted-living facility in Charlotte, North Carolina.
A Prestigious Career
Boasting an impressive career, Bonnefoux was a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet and an étoile at the Paris Opera Ballet. At just 21, he earned this elite title, becoming known for his elegant performances in celebrated ballets including “Swan Lake” and “Giselle.”
He joined the New York City Ballet in 1970 after a brief collaboration with the company’s co-founder, George Balanchine.
Influence and Legacy
His time with Balanchine proved transformative. Bonnefoux described these four days of coaching as instrumental in shaping his artistic vision, allowing him to draw strength for a further decade of performance. “You need to be amazed all the time,” he once stated in an interview, highlighting the continual pursuit of excellence.
Adding to his legacy, Bonnefoux’s decision to leave the Paris Opera for City Ballet was influenced by both artistic aspirations and personal connections, particularly his enduring romance with McBride, whom he married in 1973.
The Teacher and Choreographer
After retiring from City Ballet in 1980, he shifted his focus toward teaching and choreography. Noticing a lack of dedicated classes for male dancers at the School of American Ballet, Bonnefoux sought to establish a curriculum that emphasized their unique technical needs.
Inspiring a new generation, he led the ballet program at the Chautauqua Institution and later served as artistic director at North Carolina Dance Theater, now known as Charlotte Ballet. There, he collaborated closely with McBride to elevate the company’s reputation, integrating contemporary works alongside classical masterpieces.
Impact on the Dance Community
Throughout his tenure, Bonnefoux created notable works including “Carmina Burana” and new adaptations of beloved classics like “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Nutcracker.” His commitment to nurturing talent made the Charlotte Ballet a premier destination for aspiring dancers.
Daniel Ulbricht, a principal at City Ballet, reflected on Bonnefoux’s teaching style, stating that his “quiet presence” was matched by a dedication to clarity and detail that encouraged dancers to embrace their artistry.
Personal Life
Born on April 9, 1943, in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, Bonnefoux began his dance journey early in Paris. He honed his skills at the Paris Opera Ballet School and even dabbled in acting, appearing in films such as Henri-Georges Clouzot’s “Les Diaboliques.”
While he and McBride divorced in 2018, they maintained a close relationship, continuing to share their passion for ballet. Bonnefoux is survived by their two children, Christopher and Melanie, along with three grandchildren.
