Born: 1910 (Finsbury Park)
Died: 2004
Biography:
Dame Alicia Markova DBE (1 December 1910 2 December 2004) was a British ballerina and a choreographer, director, and teacher of classical ballet. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century and made significant contributions to the world of ballet.
Lilian Alicia Marks, later known as Alicia Markova, was born on December 1, 1910. Her father, Arthur, was Jewish, and her mother, Eileen (nee Barry), converted to Judaism. The family resided in a two-bedroom flat in Finsbury Park.
Markova’s dance career began on medical advice to strengthen her weak limbs. She made her stage debut at the age of ten, performing as Salome in the pantomime Dick Whittington and His Cat, where she was billed as Little Alicia, the child Pavlova. It was at this early age that her talent and passion for ballet became apparent.
Markova’s formal ballet training began under the guidance of Princess Serafina Astafieva, a retired dancer from the Ballets Russes. Astafieva, who had established the Russian Dancing Academy in London, taught Markova and other notable British dancers such as Margot Fonteyn and Anton Dolin.
At the age of 13, Markova caught the attention of Sergei Diaghilev, the founder of the Ballets Russes, during his visit to London in search of new talent. Diaghilev invited her to join his company in Monte Carlo, and Markova accepted, becoming the youngest member of the Ballets Russes. Due to her age, she performed roles specially choreographed for her and gained recognition for her exceptional talent. Markova had the privilege of working with renowned choreographers and artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Igor Stravinsky, Sergei Prokofiev, and George Balanchine.
Following Diaghilev’s untimely death in 1929, Markova returned to England and became the principal ballerina of The Ballet Club, founded by Dame Marie Rambert. During this period, she had the opportunity to work closely with Frederick Ashton, who at the time was relatively unknown but would eventually become one of Britain’s most celebrated choreographers.
Markova’s career spanned several ballet companies and continents. She co-founded the Rambert Dance Company, The Royal Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre, leaving an indelible mark on each of these institutions. Furthermore, Markova was instrumental in establishing the English National Ballet, serving as the company’s co-founder and director.
Throughout her career, Markova’s performances captivated audiences worldwide. Her technical skill, impeccable artistry, and versatility made her a versatile dancer capable of portraying a range of characters. She excelled in both classical and contemporary ballets, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of dance.
Awards:
– Dame of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)
– Prima Ballerina Assoluta, along with Dame Margot Fonteyn
– Numerous other prestigious awards and recognitions