Many members of the local and expatriate communities in Bali are commencing 2026 with the shocking and sad news of the death in Paris, France, of Jean Pierre Reyes in the early hours of 30 December 2025
Jean Pierre Reyes was 81 years old.
Jean Pierre Reyes lived a colorful, highly diverse life that challenges any traditional description or classification. A short list of Reyes’ life-long range of vocations and avocations would include theatrical impresario, producer and director, restaurateur, “artistic instigator,” and luxury villa founder.
Born at Fountainbleau, Paris, 09 April 1944, in the closing months of WWII, Reyes attended hotel school as a young man, leading to a youthful directorship at the fabled L’hotel at 13 rue des Beaux-Arts, saint Germain des Pres from 1968 to 1974. Arguably the world’s first boutique hotel, this one-of-kind hotel hotel was where, in 1900, the legendary Oscar Wilde issued the ultimatum to his room’s wallpaper, saying: “One of us has got to go.” Sadly, the wallpaper won as Oscar died in Room #16; bill upaid.
By 1968, the hotel’s wallpaper had been renewed several times, and the address under the directorship of Jean Pierre had a firmly established reputation for excellence and bespoke service.
As the famously flamboyant Monsieur Wilde would no doubt affirm, hotel management is, at its core, “performance art.” This fact was also not lost on Jean Pierre, who, after six years at the hotel, transitioned from hotelier to theatrical producer, collaborating with Paloma Picasso and the talented authors of the TSE Group on productions that included The Rocky Horror Show.
In 1978, Reyes became a director of the Club Venue Regine’s New Jimmy Z. From 1981 to 1987, he helped open and establish the Beaubourgeois Restaurant in partnership with Jean-Marie Proslier.
A Dedicated Devotee of Dance
Although neither a dancer nor a choreographer, Jean Pierre Reyes was a life-long connoisseur and devotee of dance, prompting him to join forces with like-minded auteurs to establish in 1988 Studio Harmonic – a professional school of dance located on Avenue de la République. 1,300 square meters, making it the largest dance studio in Europe.
While existing dance studios in the 1980s specialized in jazz, contemporary, or classical dance, Studio Harmonic became the meeting place for all schools and disciplines of dance, welcoming both professionals and amateurs to study with the best teachers.
Now, almost 40 years after its founding, Studio Harmonic remains a leading international force for innovation in international dance, and Jean Pierre Reyes, as co-creator, will be forever celebrated for his contribution to the world of dance.
Bali Becomes Jean Pierre’s New Home
Visiting Bali as a tourist in the late 1990s, Jean Pierre rented a villa and found the villa lifestyle so agreeable that he later invited several friends to build the luxurious Bali Asri Villa, initially in Seminyak and later a second villa complex in Batubelig.
The talented Frenchman had many fields of interest. Passionate about the performing arts, interior design, architecture, and painting. Impervious to any cynical accusations of being a dilettante, Reyes would smile and freely admit he had no talent as a singer, dancer, or painter. Oblivious to any personal shortcomings, he would bring
While some might find Jean Pierre’s forays into the world of international dance and luxury villa management hard to comprehend, he freely admitted that he had no talent as a singer, dancer, or painter, commenting: “I consider myself a catalyst who knows how to find and bring together talent to create in different fields.”
In a separate interview, Jean Pierre Reyes explained, “I find it pure poetry to take care of a dancer. I’ve never been a dancer or a teacher, which allows me to have a critical eye (in a positive way) without jealousy or ego, and to give teachers and dancers a chance to express themselves without any jealousy.”
Jean Pierre prided himself on his ability to be firm without the need to employ angry outbursts. Adding:” Having been an employee myself, I’ve always made sure that the people and colleagues I work with are happy and thrive in harmony. Harmony is an important word for me.”
Jean Pierre Reyes’ gentle personality and mentoring abilities were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing him in either France or Bali.
Plans for commemorative gatherings in Paris and Bali have yet to be announced,
Related Links
Studio Harmonic, studio et école de danse à Paris Bastille
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