Born in Philadelphia, Ronne completed a dance degree in the US with special emphasis on Laban notation. He first came to Australia in 1960 to appear in West Side Story, and has lived here almost continuously since, performing, choreographing and teaching for companies and training institutions throughout the country. Ronne was founder and Artistic Director of the Australian Contemporary Dance Company (later the Contemporary Dance Company of Australia) from 1967 – 72. The company made history by touring regional NSW and Queensland and bringing a new contemporary repertoire to audiences.
Passionate about Australia’s Indigenous dance, Ronne completed an MA in 1991, researching the dances of the Wanam people of Cape York Peninsula. He has taught in various capacities at the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA College) and was Academic Course Director from 1986 until 2003. Ronne is an outstanding pioneer who has made a major contribution to contemporary dance in Australia.
