April 9, 1943 – April 13, 2025

Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux: dancer, choreographer, teacher, visionary — has passed away at the age of 82.

For those who were lucky enough to witness his grace on stage or study under his passionate eye, his passing marks the end of an era. However, here at Chautauqua Institution, where he spent nearly four decades as director of the School of Dance, his spirit will always remain.

Born in Bourg-en-Bresse, France in 1943, Jean-Pierre’s journey in ballet began early when he joined the Paris Opera Ballet at age 14. His artistic path eventually took him to the New York City Ballet to study under the legendary George Balanchine, where he was named a principal dancer. For Chautauquans, his legacy lives not in the spotlight on stage in NYC but in our studios here on the other side of the state.

In 1983, Jean-Pierre arrived at Chautauqua and began what some in the industry would call a revolution. What began as a seasonal engagement blossomed into a 38-year journey of mentorship, innovation and artistic community building. As director of the School of Dance at Chautauqua, he transformed a summer program into a nationally respected place for professional dancers. His approach was simple yet considered by some radical, putting performance at the heart of learning. Students didn’t just train, they danced in front of audiences, night after night. It was in performance that Jean-Pierre believed dancers found their truth. Under his leadership, Chautauqua’s summer dance program evolved into a world renowned and influential experience. He nurtured generations of dancers who would go on to fill the ranks of premier companies around the world. He launched an annual teacher symposium that fostered collaboration and professional development. He helped establish the Artist Teacher Award, honoring excellence in dance education. Along with his beloved wife and partner Patricia McBride, the school’s director of ballet studies and principal repetiteur, he brought artistry and warmth to every studio he stepped into.

“It is an honor to continue Jean-Pierre’s legacy and his unique vision for the incredible program he created,” says Bonnefoux McBride artistic director of Chautauqua school of dance Sasha Janes . “Jean-Pierre was one of my staunchest champions; without his insight, mentorship, support, patience, humor and love I would not be where I am today,” adds Janes. “He brought me to Chautauqua 24 years ago, the birth of a wonderful friendship, and every proceeding year he made sure that our family felt part of the fabric that is the Chautauqua community. Inspired by his leadership, all of us at Chautauqua’s School of Dance endeavor to bring that same spirit to the work we do every day.”

His influence extended far beyond the barre. Anna Gerberich, Julie Kent, Brooklyn Mack and Daniel Ulbricht are just a few of the dancers that credit Jean-Pierre and their time at Chautauqua as being an important part of launching their successful careers in ballet.

Though he retired from leading Chautauqua’s School of Dance in 2021, and from Charlotte Ballet in 2017, Jean-Pierre continued to serve Chautauqua’s dance students as resident coach through 2024.

“Jean-Pierre’s impact on Chautauqua, and indeed the field of dance, is deep rooted and full of life. Because of Jean-Pierre, Chautauqua Institution became a place where students don’t just train, they transform both in the studio and on stage,” said Deborah Sunya Moore, senior vice president and chief program officer. “His passion shaped generations and his spirit is woven into the very fabric of Chautauqua as his students continue to come, to teach, to perform’ and to inspire.”

We will miss his laughter and his discipline, but mostly, we will miss the way he saw each student not as a project, but as a promise.