John Hart (dancer)

Francis John Hart CBE (4 July 1921 – 8 February 2015), was an English ballet dancer, choreographer and artistic director of Ballet West from 1986 to 1997.

Early life

Francis John Hart was born in London on 4 July 1921,[1][2] He trained at the Royal Academy of Dancing with Judith Espinosa.[2] the son of Frank L. Hart and Ivy Hart.[3] In 1938, he joined the Vic-Wells Ballet, dancing lead roles by the age of 21.[2]

Dancer

He created a role in Ninette de Valois' 1940 The Prospect Before Us, then served in the war from 1942–46, and returned as a principal dancer, creating roles in Frederick Ashton's Sylvia (1952) and Homage to the Queen (1953). In 1955, Hart was appointed ballet master, and was assistant director of the Royal Ballet from 1962–70.[2]

Artistic director

His last major position was as artistic director of Salt Lake City’s Ballet West from 1986 to 1997.[1] He died in Salt Lake City on 8 February 2015.[1]

Honours

Hart received the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award of the Royal Academy of Dance in 1970, and was made a Commander of Order of the British Empire in 1971.[1]

Personal life

Hart enjoyed fine art, collected stamps, and had a "fondness for epicurean delights".[3]

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References
  1. Adams, Kathy (13 February 2015). "1921-2015: John Hart brought English traditions of Royal Ballet to Utah's Ballet West". Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  2. "John Hart". OUP. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  3. "John Hart". Starks Funeral Parlor. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
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