August, 2026
Eulogy for Alex Hyde
I was very sad to hear about the passing of the wonderful former Anjali dancer Alex Hyde. Alex had been in Anjali since its inception, graduating from our Weekly Open Classes which were held in Banbury from 1993. Alex went on to work with highly acclaimed choreographers and performed in Anjali’s productions in the UK, Spain, Portugal,Germany and Mexico.
His very supportive and loving parents, Murial and Percy, did all they could to enable Alex to be in the company and they were so very proud of him and what he achieved. For many years he was helped in getting to Anjali by Roy Curtis who used to taxi him to and fro’ his home in Southam to the company’s base in Banbury. When Roy retired, Alex was further supported by Robert Coles who provided transport, accommodation and care to ensure that Alex could participate in Anjali’s activities, particularly in the company’s last production, ‘Genius’, which toured nationally between 2017-2019. Alex was also part of Anjali’s tour of Mexico which he enjoyed hugely, saying it was one of the best experiences of his dancing career. Alex retired from Anjali after the tour.
Alex was a ’Showman’. He had a great natural and instinctive rapport with audiences and a talent for comedy. His comic timing was effortless and he had no difficulty accessing his’ ‘inner clown’ (something that even the most experienced performers can have difficulty in achieving!)
An avid football supporter, Alex was in his element when he played the part of a ‘football referee’ during a performance with Anjali for the 2009 Special Olympics Opening Ceremony in Leicester in front of 37,000 people.
Always kind and considerate, Alex was often a calming and stabilising influence on the other dancers. He was loved by everyone at Anjali and in particular his two dear friends and former company members, Mark and Kristian.
It was an absolute pleasure to work with Alex, to see him develop as a performer and to watch him grow as a person. I shall always remember him with a smile…
Nicole Thomson
Founder and former Director of Anjali Dance Company.