Sir Jon Trimmer who died on 26 October 2023, was a figure who has been almost synonymous with the Royal New Zealand Ballet for decades. During a professional career that spanned nearly sixty years, Trimmer illuminated stages the length and breadth of the country; his performances in a wide variety of classical, contemporary, and character roles were always unforgettable. His MBE for services to ballet in 1974, and his knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1999, recognised these achievements. While some dancers may have attracted more star-studded international glory, few can claim such longevity, or be held in such deep affection, as Trimmer. This blog offers a tribute to a great dancer and true man of the theatre who was also a good friend to Wellington City Libraries: when sharing his Stories from the Ballet with our branches he not only brought to life the plots and characters of several ballets, but he also introduced the audience to the significance of gesture and mime as the means of storytelling. Because of his inimitable ability to educate and entertain any age group, Trimmer’s Stories from the Ballet are still remembered vividly by library staff and their children and grandchildren.