Remembering former Charlotte Ballet artistic director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, who led Charlotte Ballet alongside his wife Patricia McBride for more than 20 years, died on April 13 at the age of 82. Now, the Charlotte Ballet is remembering his legacy and the impact he had on the Queen City’s performing arts. 

Bonnefoux was born in France, but first arrived in Charlotte in 1996. He was with Charlotte Ballet through its renaming from the North Carolina Dance Theatre, and holds the record for the longest-tenured artistic director — stepping down from the role in 2017. 

“Jean-Pierre was an inspiration to generations of artists,” Douglas Singleton, executive director of Charlotte Ballet, said in a news release. “His legacy is joyful leadership, inspired by the artists who attract the best choreographers and the choreographers who attract the best artists while celebrating our Charlotte community.”  

He was the third artistic director since the dance ensemble’s 1970 founding, and oversaw its growth and increased notoriety. 

Traci Gilchrest Kubie is a ballet instructor and was rehearsal director for Charlotte Ballet for about 12 years. Bonnefoux and McBride hired her, and she worked closely with Bonnefoux over the years. 

“I don’t think you can talk about Jean-Pierre without mentioning his legacy,” she said. 

Kubie said she remembers him not only for his eye for talent but his generosity and ability to inspire. She said dancers could feel his trust in them, so they would in turn trust themselves. 

“He was looking out for us as people outside of dancing and I will always, always thank him for that,” Kubie said. 

Bonnefoux is also celebrated for his choreography of “The Nutcracker” ballet, a Charlotte holiday tradition to this day. Kubie said every moment of his choreography was meticulously selected. 

“He took a lot of the strengths of the dancers and used that in the choreography — but he also took things that he wanted us to work on, to challenge us,” Kubie said. 

She said his attention to detail can be seen even now in Charlotte productions of “The Nutcracker,” with every minor movement from a dancer corresponding to a musical note being played. Kubie said he also made a habit to include more children in the production than you may see in other productions of the popular ballet.

“He did that so that the children would have a chance to grow, so they would have a chance to work with the company and see the company — because that’s how you you grow as a dancer,” she said. “And you know what? Also, it goes the other way around. The dancers, and the company, the professionals see what an impact they have on the kids and that makes you grow as an artist as well.” 

A celebration of life will be held for Bonnefoux on May 12 at 3 p.m. at the Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance, home to the Charlotte Ballet, located at 701 N. Tryon Street. 

Contact Emma Korynta at ekorynta@wcnc.com and follow her on Instagram and X .