Wellingtonian of the Year a trim 69 (+video)

SIR JON TRIMMER: `Over the moon' about his Wellingtonian of the Year award.

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Sir Jon Trimmer, an inspirational dancer still lighting up the stage at 69, is Wellingtonian of the Year.
View video: Sir Jon's acceptance speech

This year has already been studded with milestones for Sir Jon, including his 50th anniversary with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and his first lead role in more than 20 years in Don Quixote.

But he said his "Welly" award - decided after reader nominations and a judging panel - was a special honour. "I actually feel a bit guilty because everyone else seems so deserving. I'm over the moon and I can't believe it's just happened."

Born in Petone, Sir Jon joined the ballet when it was three years old (and he was 19) and resisted the lure of an international dance career in favour of staying local.

"Wellington's my home town. It's a wonderful little city."

Nevertheless, he had performed with many stars of the art form, including Dame Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev and Erik Bruhn.

He could not make the awards ceremony at the Town Hall last night because of a prior commitment - another performance of Don Quixote.

As for the secret to his longevity, Sir Jon said it was simple: "Enjoyment - and self-discipline."

Though there were "very, very few" dancers still on the stage at his age, the current show was no finale for him. He had two New Zealand tours planned for next year, as well as one likely overseas one. Ballet in New Zealand was in good health with strong government and corporate support, he said.

Dominion Post dance critic Jennifer Shennan has described Sir Jon's dancing as having "consummate musicality with technique and artistry seamlessly blended".

The Wellys were started 19 years ago by The Evening Post and previous winners include comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, Peter Jackson and Sir Roy McKenzie.