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Overview
Sir Jon Trimmer's signature ballet role is as Dr Coppelius in the light-hearted ballet 'Coppelia'. He first wore this particular outfit in the 1983 production. The Royal New Zealand Ballet stages Coppelia regularly, and is the last company in the world to stage the full-length version. Trimmer wore this outfit many times.
Sir Jon Trimmer (1939-2023, New Zealand) had an outstanding career in New Zealand ballet, having danced most of the Royal New Zealand Ballet's years of existence (established 1953). The year 2008 marked his 50th year as a character dancer - this was the longest such career in New Zealand. He was well-loved by New Zealand audiences and was known internationally.
This outfit is a good example of an outfit designed by a dancer - Owen Anderson (in collaboration with Harry Haythorne, Artistic Director of the RNZB from 1981 to 1991). There are no formal designs - this outfit was done cheaply. Its simplicity and lightness indicate a dancer's perspective on comfort and ease of movement.