Photo © Hicks Clicks Photography
Carl Newman is a professionally-trained dancer who was the ‘Movement Double’ for Michael Keaton in the 1989 blockbuster feature film ‘BATMAN’.
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“It was Jack Nicholson who coined the phrase ‘Bat Ballet’ for the work I was doing, and the nickname ‘Ballet Bat’ for me. So, of course, the name stuck!”
– Carl Newman
For eleven weeks at Pinewood Studios, Carl brought his dance training to bear on the batsuit – designed by Bob Ringwood and sculpted by Vin Burnham – to augment Sean McCabe’s stunt work and Dave Lea’s fight choreography.
The grace, poise, and athleticism that Carl brought to the role meshed perfectly with Tim Burton’s stylised vision for the character as well as Michael Keaton’s cerebral performance, helping to define The Dark Knight of DC Comics on the silver screen for decades to come.
Every appearance of ‘Batman’ in the compilation video here is Carl in the costume.
Carl’s expertise was also called upon for this scene.
As ‘Mime Advisor’, he took all of the actors playing Joker’s goons into a dance studio and taught them the stylised movements you see them perform in the film.
“As a trained dancer, you learn how to maintain poise and elegance.”
Photo © Hicks Clicks Photography
Carl Newman trained at Laine Theatre Arts in Dance and Drama.
His passion and proficiency has given him the opportunity to work with a dazzling array of artistic talents, including The Chemical Brothers, Tori Amos, Joan Armatrading, Godley & Creme, Julie Walters, and the Pet Shop Boys.
Carl has also worked with world-class choreographers such as Dame Arlene Phillips DBE, David Toguri, Charles Augins, Anthony Van Last, Bruno Tonioli, Micha Bergese, and Jack Gunn.