John Hart

Francis John Hart C.B.E.

Francis John Hart C.B.E. was born to Frank L. Hart and Ivy Hart on July 4, 1921 in London, England and died on February 8, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 93. As a precocious gifted child, John developed an early passion for dancing and the arts.  At the age of 12 he began studying dance under Judith Espinosa and soon attended the Royal Academy of Dance.   In 1938 he joined the Vic-Wells Ballet where he was soon made principle.  Before the age of 21 he was dancing lead classical roles.  From 1942-1946 John took a break from dance to serve in the British Royal Air force.  After his service he returned to dance for the Royal Ballet and danced principle roles with Margot Fonteyn, Violetta Elvin, Nadia Nerina and Bryl Grey.  In 1955 John was appointed teacher and then served as Assistant Director of the Royal Ballet from 1962-1970.  In 1971 he moved to South Africa to serve as the artistic director of the Performing Arts Council of the Transvaal Ballet.  In 1980 John took a position as artistic director for the Ballet of San Diego before finally settling in Salt Lake City and becoming the artistic director of Ballet West from 1985-1997.  John’s long list of achievements include publishing his photographs in the book Ballet and Camera (1956) and receiving the gold medal Adeline Gennee in 1939, the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation award of the Royal Academy of Dance in 1970 and the Commander of Order of the British Empire in 1971.  Nevertheless, John always considered the cultivation of talent in others his favorite accomplishment.  

Heralded as one of England’s most distinguished dancers and ballet masters, John was a man of impeccable taste and “common sense.”  He enjoyed fine art, collecting stamps and had a fondness for epicurean delights.  Those who knew and loved John appreciated his clever sense of humor and unparalleled generosity.  John was a kind man beloved by people throughout the world.  While the curtains have come down on this stage for our Prince Charming he is reunited with his sister and former Ballroom dance partner Jean, likely schooling the angels and dancing the grand Pas de deux.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, February 18^th, from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E., Salt Lake City.  

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in John’s name to Ballet West.  Ballet West’s Address: 52 West 200 South Salt Lake City, UT  84101. 

A Noble Man, A Noble Hart