News Summary
The Charlotte dance community mourns the loss of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, the former artistic director of Charlotte Ballet, who passed away at age 82. His impact spanned over two decades, transforming the company into a prestigious arts organization. Bonnefoux’s creative legacy, including his celebrated adaptations of classic ballets, has enriched the cultural landscape of Charlotte. Friends, family, and dancers unite to honor his contributions to the arts during a memorial event planned for May 12, 2025.
Charlotte, North Carolina — Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, the esteemed former artistic director of Charlotte Ballet, has passed away at the age of 82. He died on April 13, 2025, from heart failure at a care center in Charlotte, as confirmed by his ex-wife Patricia McBride. Bonnefoux’s impact on the dance community and the arts organization over the last two decades is commemorated by colleagues, students, and audiences alike.
Bonnefuox dedicated over 20 years to the Charlotte Ballet, starting in 1996 when he became the artistic director. Under his leadership, the company underwent a significant transformation, evolving from the North Carolina Dance Theatre into a prominent arts organization known for its diverse repertoire and heightened visibility in the region. His direction saw the incorporation of renowned choreographers’ works, including those by Alvin Ailey and Twyla Tharp, further solidifying the ballet’s reputation.
Born in France, Bonnefoux’s impressive career began at the Paris Opera Ballet, where he became an étoile, a title reserved for the very best dancers. His later move to the New York City Ballet at the age of 27 marked the beginning of an illustrious career in which he was celebrated for his interpretations of iconic works by notable choreographers, such as George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins.
Among his creative legacies is his adaptation of the classic “Nutcracker,” which has become a cherished holiday tradition for Charlotte families. His productions, including “Carmina Burana,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and various others, have significantly contributed to the region’s cultural landscape.
In recognition of both Bonnefoux’s and McBride’s extensive contributions to dance, the facilities of the Charlotte Ballet were named the Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance in 2010. This center has become a focal point for dance within the community, continuing the tradition of excellence that Bonnefoux championed.
Beyond his role as artistic director, Bonnefoux led a summer dance program at the Chautauqua Institution in New York for nearly 40 years, starting in 1983. Even after stepping down from his official role in 2017, he remained a vital part of the Charlotte Ballet family as a coach and mentor to aspiring dancers, continuing to influence the next generation of talent.
Bonnefoux is survived by his children, Christopher and Melanie Bonnefoux DeCoudres, as well as three grandchildren and family members residing in France. The arts community is planning a celebration of his life on May 12, 2025, at the Center for Dance in Uptown Charlotte, where many will gather to honor his enduring legacy.
His colleagues and former students reflect on Bonnefoux not only for his artistry but also for his significant role as an inspirational figure, known for his meticulous attention to detail and generous spirit. After briefly relocating to Asheville following his retirement, he returned to Charlotte, continuing to impart his knowledge and passion for dance to those around him, ensuring that his influence remained palpable within the arts scene.
Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux will be remembered not just for his choreography, but for his ability to uplift and inspire dancers across generations, leaving behind a legacy that has enriched the Charlotte arts community and beyond.
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- Google News: Charlotte Ballet
