– Hinton Battle Tony Winner Musicals
– Hinton Battle Dies Musicals.
Hinton Battle, a talented and renowned dancer who captured the hearts of audiences with his incredible performances, has sadly passed away at the age of 67. The news of his death was confirmed by Leah Bass-Baylis, a family spokesperson and former Broadway dancer who had the privilege of dancing alongside him.
Hinton Battle’s remarkable journey in the world of dance began when he won his first Tony Award in 1981 for his role in the Duke Ellington musical revue “Sophisticated Ladies.” What made this achievement even more remarkable was the fact that he had only learned how to tap dance in the weeks leading up to the show’s opening night. His dedication and determination were truly awe-inspiring.
Debbie Allen, a dancer, choreographer, and actress who had known Hinton Battle since he was 16, described him as someone who was born with the spirit of dance. She praised his technical superiority and remarked on his rhythm and style, stating that he was a true supernova in the world of dance.
Before his breakthrough in “Sophisticated Ladies,” Hinton Battle had already made a name for himself by originating the role of the Scarecrow in the all-Black adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” called “The Wiz.” Despite being trained as a ballet dancer, he faced the challenge of not knowing how to tap dance when he auditioned for “Sophisticated Ladies.” However, with intensive lessons from tap master Henry LeTang, he quickly mastered the artform and wowed audiences with his dazzling performances.
His Tony-winning performance in “Miss Saigon” showcased a different side of Hinton Battle’s talent, as he didn’t need to dance in this role. He portrayed the character of John, a marine who becomes an advocate for the abandoned children of American servicemen and local women. His powerful performance in the song “Bui Doi” moved audiences and showcased his versatility as a performer.
Born on November 29, 1956, in Neubrücke, West Germany, Hinton Battle was the son of a U.S. Army serviceman and an accounting supervisor. He grew up in Washington, along with his two sisters and two brothers. His passion for dance began at a young age, and he started studying ballet at 10 before earning a scholarship to the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York.
Throughout his career, Hinton Battle’s talent and dedication took him to various stages and productions. He won a total of three Tony Awards, with “The Tap Dance Kid” and “Miss Saigon” adding to his list of accolades. In addition to his work on Broadway, he also choreographed ballets, worked with renowned artists like Anita Baker and Sister Sledge, and even appeared in film and television productions.
Hinton Battle’s impact on the world of dance cannot be overstated. His performances were full of grace, rhythm, and authenticity. He was a true artist who poured his heart and soul into his craft, leaving a lasting legacy that.
– Hinton Battle, Three-Time Tony Winner in Musicals, Dies at
– Hinton Battle, Tony Winner in Musicals, Passes Away at.
