Born: 1898 (United Kingdom)
Died: 2001
Biography:
Dame Ninette de Valois OM CH DBE, born Edris Stannus on 6 June 1898 in the United Kingdom, was a remarkable Irish-born British dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director of classical ballet. Throughout her career, she left an indelible mark on the world of ballet and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Royal Ballet, which went on to become one of the foremost ballet companies of the 20th century and a leading presence in the global ballet scene. Her contributions extended beyond the stage as she also founded the Royal Ballet School and the touring company that later became known as the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Today, she is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of ballet and is often referred to as the godmother of English and Irish ballet.
Ninette de Valois was born into a gentry family, the second daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Stannus DSO, a British Army officer, and Elizabeth Graydon Smith, known as Lilith Stannus, a glassmaker herself. She grew up in Baltyboys House, an 18th-century manor near the town of Blessington in County Wicklow, Ireland, which was then part of the United Kingdom. Her maternal great-grandmother was the diarist Elizabeth Grant Smith, and her great-great-grandfather was Scottish politician John Peter Grant. Additionally, through her mother, she was the great grandniece of Sir John Peter Grant and a first cousin twice removed to Lady Strachey.
In 1905, at the age of seven, she moved to England to live with her grandmother in Kent. It was there that her fascination with ballet began, and at the age of ten, she started attending ballet lessons. Her talent quickly became evident, and at thirteen, she embarked on her professional training at the Lila Field Academy for Children. It was during this time that she changed her name to Ninette de Valois, a name that would become synonymous with her outstanding contributions to the world of ballet.
De Valois made her professional debut as a principal dancer in pantomime at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End. In 1919, she was appointed principal dancer of the Beecham Opera, resident at the Royal Opera House. Alongside her performances, she continued her ballet studies with esteemed teachers such as Edouard Espinosa, Enrico Cecchetti, and Nicholas Legat. Her dedication and artistry caught the attention of the ballet world.
In 1923, de Valois joined the Ballets Russes, the renowned ballet company founded by the Russian impresario Sergei Diaghilev. During her three years with the company, she traveled throughout Europe, performing in various productions and rapidly ascending to the rank of Soloist. She had the privilege of creating roles in some of the Ballets Russes’ most iconic ballets, including Les biches and Le Train Bleu. Additionally, she took on the role of mentor to a young Alicia Markova, who would go on to become a Prima Ballerina Assoluta and one of the most celebrated English dancers.
After leaving the Ballets Russes, de Valois returned to England and set about pursuing her vision of establishing a national ballet company. In 1926, she founded the Academy of Choreographic Art, which trained dancers and laid the foundation for what would become the Royal Ballet School. In 1931, she established the Vic-Wells Ballet, which eventually became the Sadler’s Wells Ballet and, in 1956, attained royal status as the Royal Ballet. Under her leadership, the company flourished and gained international recognition for its technical excellence and artistic creativity.
Dame Ninette de Valois made significant contributions to the development of ballet in the United Kingdom. She introduced classical ballet to a wider audience and played a pivotal role in nurturing and cultivating generations of talented dancers, choreographers, and teachers. Her dedication to elevating ballet as an art form, coupled with her unwavering commitment to excellence, revolutionized the ballet scene in England and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in dance.
Her legacy transcends her own remarkable achievements. She paved the way for future generations of female ballet dancers, proving that women could excel as leaders and artists in a field historically dominated by men. Her impact on women’s history is undeniable, as her achievements shattered glass ceilings and opened doors for aspiring dancers around the world.
Dame Ninette de Valois passed away on 8 March 2001, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and a lasting imprint on the world of ballet.
Awards:
– Order of Merit (OM)
– Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)
– Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)