Jay Jolley

Jay Jolley

World-Renowned Ballet Dancer and Educator

PHS Class of 1970

Jay Jolley got into dance as a child after he mortified his mother with an impromptu war dance. She signed him up for dance classes with Mildred Olson to help him find a positive channel for his abundant energy. After graduating from PHS in 1970, and while a student at the University of Utah, Jay was recruited to dance professionally with Ballet West, then the New York City Ballet. While at the New York City Ballet, Jay rose through the ranks and danced many principal roles. When the opportunity came to dance with the London Festival Ballet, he was encouraged by Rudolf Nureyev to take up the offer. Four years later, he was recruited to London's fabled Royal Ballet, where he became a principal dancer.

Following a long and highly successful dance career, Jay went back to university to study Business Administration. After graduating, he became Company Manager for Birmingham Royal Ballet. In 1996 he joined The Royal Ballet School as Ballet Administrator, becoming Assistant Director in 1999. The school teaches an exclusive roster of international students, placing them with leading ballet companies throughout the world. During his time at the Royal Ballet School, Jay also took time to serve as a teacher and artistic director. In addition, Jay launched many important programs. He initiated their Dance Partnership and Access Programme, facilitating a range of educational community programs including Primary Steps and Advance. He was also instrumental in two particular projects of note: the development of White Lodge Museum and Ballet Resource Centre, which was the first dedicated ballet museum in the United Kingdom; and the Ninette de Valois: Adventurous Traditionalist Conference. The Governors of The Royal Ballet award a gold medal each year to an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to ballet. Jay Jolley was fortunate to have been presented with this prestigious award. In 2021 he was awarded the highly prestigious Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Queen for his contribution to dance in the United Kingdom, an honor that is rarely given to non-citizens of the UK.

Mr. Jolley was asked what advice he would give to young dancers in our community, and he had this to say:

"Celebrate that you grew up in a small town like Payson. It really grounds you for the future. Carry on pursuing your ambitions, no matter what they are, because if you want to achieve something, like dance, which is out of the mainstream professions, it is possible for anyone. The crucial thing to remember is this: Don’t forget to dream!"

Inducted 2021