Born: 1938 (Auckland, New Zealand)
Died: 2021
Biography:
Lucette Aldous AC (26 September 1938 – 5 June 2021) was an Australian prima ballerina during her performing years. She was the resident principal dancer with The Australian Ballet and well known for her portrayal of Kitri in the film of Rudolf Nureyev’s production of Don Quixote. Aldous received numerous honors and awards throughout her career, including being appointed AC in the 2018 Australia Day Honours list.
Aldous was born in Auckland, New Zealand in September 1938 but moved to Perth, Western Australia when she was just four months old. From a young age, she displayed a talent for ballet and began her training at the age of 3 in 1941 under the guidance of Australian teacher Phyllis Danaher. Recognizing her potential, Aldous was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London in 1955.
During her time at the Royal Ballet School, Aldous had the opportunity to perform in a European tour as part of the Royal Ballet, where she partnered with the legendary Rudolf Nureyev in The Nutcracker. Her performances received critical acclaim and laid the foundation for her successful career.
After completing her training in London, Aldous moved to Sydney to further refine her ballet skills. In addition to her ballet training, she attended Randwick High School, where her exceptional academic abilities earned her the title of dux of the school. Aldous had a photographic memory and excelled in subjects like English, physiology, and business. She even won a business scholarship but decided to decline it when she received the Frances Scully scholarship to return to the Royal Ballet School.
Aldous was constantly looking for ways to improve her flexibility and technique. One of her techniques involved taking lessons with a teacher named De Voss, who taught her Martha Graham floor work to increase her fluidity before traditional ballet barre exercises. This dedication to mastery of her craft became a hallmark of Aldous’s career.
In London, Aldous began her professional career with Ballet Rambert in 1957, under the direction of Dame Peggy van Praagh at the Theatre Royal. She performed in various major roles, including Night Shadow, Façade, and The Wise Monkey. Notably, she portrayed Mazurka in Les Sylphides and Kitri in Don Quixote. Aldous also joined Ballet Rambert on a groundbreaking tour to the People’s Republic of China in 1957, where they introduced Western ballet to the Chinese people. This tour was recognized by the British Consulate as an important cultural exchange and diplomatic gesture.
After leaving Ballet Rambert in 1963, Aldous joined the London Festival Ballet. However, in 1970, she made her triumphant return to Australia and debuted as a guest artist with The Australian Ballet. Her exceptional talent and magnetic stage presence quickly earned her the position of resident principal artist in 1971.
Aldous’s performances with The Australian Ballet were nothing short of spectacular. She danced roles such as the Fool on the Hill in Dame Gillian Lynne’s production, captivating audiences with her technical prowess and emotional depth. Her dedication to her art and constant pursuit of excellence made her a beloved figure in the ballet world.
In addition to her stage performances, Aldous also made a significant impact on future generations of dancers through her teaching. She served as a mentor and coach, passing down her knowledge and expertise to the next generation of ballet stars.
Throughout her illustrious career, Aldous received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to the arts. In 2018, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her distinguished service to the performing arts as a dancer and mentor. This prestigious honor was a testament to Aldous’s immense talent and the profound influence she had on the world of ballet.
Lucette Aldous’s legacy lives on as one of Australia’s most celebrated ballerinas. Her dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to her craft continue to inspire aspiring dancers around the world. She will forever be remembered as a trailblazer and icon in the world of ballet and women’s history.
Awards:
– 2018: Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for distinguished service to the performing arts as a dancer and mentor.