In December 2018, when news came that Sir Jon Trimmer had retired after six decades with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, it felt like a body blow. Trimmer's dance magic was so embedded into the RNZB's DNA that the thought of not seeing him, even in small cameo roles, hurt.
His ballet history is our ballet history. Jonty, as he was known, and his wife, Lady Jacqui Trimmer, were there when the national company first made a commitment to take ballet to the people.
He was also a brilliant dancer and actor, a generous mentor who always had time for younger dancers and brought joy to countless thousands. He could lift his leg above his head well into his 70s and had a wicked sense of humour that would have the company rolling with laughter.
Trimmer's history with the company began when he took summer school classes in Wellington, aged 14, with Danish dancer and teacher Poul Gnatt.
Born in 1939, Trimmer grew up in Petone in an artistic family. His father was a wool classer by day and played the violin in orchestras by night. His mother was a dancer who as a child watched musicals from the wings of Wellington's St James Theatre. Trimmer started dance classes when he was 12 in his sister Pamela's dance school. By age 13, he was performing in dance concerts around the Wellington region with his younger sister, moving on to cabarets in clubs such as the Majestic, where he danced flamenco.
Gnatt recognised his talent and began nurturing the young dancer, partnering him with older girls so he could develop his strength and physical confidence.
この記事は New Zealand Listener の November 25 - December 1, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は New Zealand Listener の November 25 - December 1, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Sights to behold
Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.
Pages of delight
Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.
Heart of the matter
Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.
Balaclava beats
Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.
Friends like these
One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.
Irresistible force
A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.
Fleeing the nest
A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.
Life less ordinary
Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.
Not on our watch
Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.
No free lunch
The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?
