Tributes flow for acclaimed dancer Jonathan Ollivier
By Nick Bond
Tributes have poured in for professional dancer Jonathan Ollivier, killed in a motorbike accident just hours before he was due to perform in the final show of Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man at Sadler’s Wells Theatre yesterday.
The 38-year old dancer, best known for his leading role as The Swan in Bourne’s production of Swan Lake, was killed as he rode his motorbike through Clerkenwell in central London yesterday morning, Scotland Yard said.
Following the tragic incident and with messages of condolence pouring in from around the world, Matthew Bourne, Artistic Director of New Adventures issued a loving tribute on behalf of the company:
“Yesterday we lost our “Swan” and our “Car Man” – Jonathan Ollivier was one of the most charismatic and powerful dancers of his generation: An intensely masculine presence tempered with tenderness and vulnerability made him the perfect casting for a string of triumphant roles in the New Adventures repertory including “The Swan”, the enigmatic “Speight” in “Play Without Words” and his final role as Luca in “The Car Man” which he was due to dance at last nights final performance at Sadler’s Wells.
A man of great warmth and charm, Jonny was a true gent, loved and respected by his colleagues and adored by audiences who were mesmerised by his memorable performances on stage as well as his friendly and genuine personality at the Stage Door. He was also an inspiration and role model to several generations of young dancers who strived to emulate his enviable technique and majestic stage presence.
Yesterdays events have ripped at the heart of the New Adventures family and we join together to send our heartfelt condolences to all of Jonny’s family and friends. In our grieving for this irreplaceable artist we take some comfort in the legacy of memories that he has left behind.”
Jonathan trained at the Rambert School of Dance and has been a principal dancer at Cape Town Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre and the Alberta Ballet. He starred in the first UK tour of Dirty Dancing, guest starred for major dance companies in the USA, South Africa and Germany and toured extensively around the world.
Detectives from the serious collision investigation unit are investigating his death and are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed or may have information regarding the collision.
Anyone with any information can contact the police on 020 8991 9555 or Criimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
