Ronald Hynd, English dancer and choreographer
Ronald Hynd, a distinguished figure in the world of ballet, was born on 22 April 1931 in England. His illustrious career began as a ballet dancer in his youth, where he honed his artistry and technical skill, laying the foundation for his later renown as an innovative and prolific choreographer.
A Notable Partnership: Royal Ballet and Annette Page
Hynd's journey in ballet took a significant turn in the late 1940s when he joined the prestigious Royal Ballet, one of the world's foremost classical ballet companies. It was there that he formed a memorable and artistically fruitful partnership with Annette Page, a celebrated ballerina of her generation. Their captivating on-stage chemistry blossomed into a lifelong personal connection, leading to their marriage. Annette Page, his beloved wife and artistic collaborator, passed away on 4 December 2017. Together, they shared a daughter, Louise, continuing their legacy through family.
A Choreographic Legacy
Ronald Hynd's creative vision truly came to prominence through his extensive work as a choreographer, where he brought both classical sensibility and fresh narratives to the stage. His repertoire spans a diverse range of acclaimed productions for various companies:
- The Merry Widow (1975): One of his most enduring and widely performed ballets, created in 1975, which charmingly adapted Franz Lehár's operetta into a captivating dance production.
- Charlotte Brontë (1974): A more dramatic work, this ballet, crafted for the Royal Ballet Touring Company in 1974, delved into the life and imagination of the famous English novelist.
Revivals and New Creations for Houston Ballet
Hynd also made significant contributions to the Houston Ballet, demonstrating his versatility by both reviving classical works and originating new ballets:
- Papillon (1979): He undertook the ambitious task of recreating this enchanting nineteenth-century ballet in 1979, bringing a piece of ballet history back to life for contemporary audiences.
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1988): Further showcasing his range, he created an original ballet based on Victor Hugo's powerful novel in 1988, offering a compelling dramatic narrative through dance.
An Innovative Approach to The Nutcracker
Perhaps one of his most distinctive contributions was his version of The Nutcracker, produced by the London Festival Ballet in 1976. Breaking from traditional interpretations, Hynd infused the beloved holiday classic with an original love story. He introduced an older sister for the heroine, who falls deeply in love with Dr. Drosselmeyer's nephew, navigating the challenges of parental disapproval. This innovative narrative choice added layers of emotional depth and contemporary relevance to a cherished tale, illustrating Hynd's willingness to reinterpret familiar stories with fresh perspectives and broaden the appeal of ballet.
Broader Collaborations
Beyond these notable productions, Ronald Hynd's choreographic talents were sought after by numerous other prominent ballet companies across the globe. His extensive collaborations extended to highly respected institutions such as the American Ballet Theatre, Ballet West, and Tulsa Theatre Ballet, demonstrating the wide reach and enduring influence of his artistic work throughout the international ballet world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ronald Hynd
- Who is Ronald Hynd?
- Ronald Hynd, born on 22 April 1931, is an English choreographer celebrated for his distinctive ballets, who began his distinguished career as a ballet dancer with the Royal Ballet.
- Which ballet companies did Ronald Hynd work with?
- He choreographed for a wide array of prestigious companies including the Royal Ballet Touring Company, Houston Ballet, London Festival Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet West, and Tulsa Theatre Ballet.
- What are some of Ronald Hynd's most notable ballets?
- His acclaimed choreographic works include The Merry Widow (1975), Charlotte Brontë (1974), his recreation of the nineteenth-century ballet Papillon (1979), and his original ballet The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1988).
- What was unique about Ronald Hynd's version of The Nutcracker?
- In his 1976 production for the London Festival Ballet, Hynd uniquely added a new love story, featuring the heroine's older sister falling in love with Dr. Drosselmeyer's nephew against her parents' wishes, introducing a distinct romantic subplot to the classic tale.
- Who was Annette Page?
- Annette Page was a celebrated ballerina who formed a significant partnership with Ronald Hynd at the Royal Ballet in the late 1940s. They later married and had a daughter, Louise. She passed away on 4 December 2017.