1954—1997
Critics and connoisseurs alike considered Christopher Boatwright to be one of the finest dancers of his generation. Robert Rosenwasser, associate director of LINES Contemporary Ballet, described Boatwright as “one of the really great dancers of our time,” an artist with “phenomenal technique and gorgeous movement” who brought to all his roles a quality of nobility.” Ballet Master and LINES founder Alonzo King agreed. “He had the ability to transform himself so thoroughly that he seemed to disappear into his roles.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1954, Boatwright discovered dance when he was 16. He trained at the American Ballet Theater and at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, both in New York City, then went to Europe to perform with the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany. During his nine years in Stuttgart, Boatwright’s great versatility in a wide variety of roles and styles earned him international recognition.
Boatwright joined the Los Angeles Ballet in 1983, where he wowed audiences in Southern California. He moved to San Francisco in 1985 to dance with Lines Contemporary Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet, where he became a much loved principal dancer. His last performances were in 1996 with LINES Ballet.
Across his career, Boatwright was recognized wherever he danced for his resplendent, versatile technique; the clarity, nobility, and lyricism of his dancing; and the warmth of his stage presence.