Born: 1922 (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Died: 2019
Biography:
Dame Catherine Margaret Mary Scott, DBE, AC (26 April 1922 24 February 2019) was a South African-born pioneering ballet dancer who found fame as a teacher, choreographer, and school administrator in Australia. As the first director of the Australian Ballet School, she is recognized as one of the founders of the strong ballet tradition in her adopted country.
Margaret Scott was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 26, 1922. She was the youngest of three siblings, including twins Joan and Barbara. From a young age, Scott’s family encouraged her to pursue her interest in dance, which had developed early in her childhood. She attended ballet classes at the Conmee School of Dancing, where she received instruction based on the syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dancing, under the direction of London-trained Ivy Conmee.
After graduating from Parktown Convent School, Scott, accompanied by her mother, traveled to London in 1939 when she was just 17 years old. She successfully auditioned for entrance to the Sadler’s Wells Ballet School, where she further polished her classical technique under the tutelage of Dame Ninette de Valois and renowned teachers. Despite the outbreak of World War II, Scott decided to stay in London and continue her dance training.
After spending some time at the Sadler’s Wells school, Scott joined the Sadler’s Wells Ballet and embarked on her professional career. However, she only stayed with the company for a year. Drawn to the more adventurous repertoire of Ballet Rambert, she applied to Marie Rambert and was hired as a soloist. In 1943, Scott was promoted to principal dancer, and for the next five years, she performed leading and supporting roles in Ballet Rambert’s diverse repertoire. Her performances included audience favorites such as Michel Fokine’s Les Sylphides and Antony Tudor’s Jardin aux Lilas, as well as new works by Andrée Howard, Frank Staff, and Walter Gore.
Although the war years were challenging for the Rambert company, it began to regain its strength and popularity after the war. In 1947, Ballet Rambert embarked on a highly successful tour of Australia under the auspices of D. D. O’Connor and the British Council. The tour was extended multiple times, resulting in a total of eighteen months spent in Australia. When the tour concluded, some dancers, including Margaret Scott and Sally Gilmour, chose to remain in Australia.
In 1949, Scott became a founding member of Gertrude Johnson’s National Theatre Ballet in Melbourne, which was directed by Joyce Graeme, a former principal dancer with Ballet Rambert. During the Christmas season of 1949, Scott showcased her talent in a featured role in The Glass Slipper, a retelling of the Cinderella story. This marked the beginning of her career in Australia.
Scott’s contributions to ballet in Australia were transformative. In 1964, she became the first director of the Australian Ballet School, a position she held until 1990. Under her guidance, the school grew into a world-class institution, training generations of talented dancers who went on to have successful careers both nationally and internationally. Her dedication and commitment to excellence earned her numerous accolades and made her a respected figure in the dance community.
Throughout her life, Margaret Scott faced various challenges and overcame them with resilience. Her influence on the development and growth of ballet in Australia is immeasurable, and she played a crucial role in shaping the country’s dance landscape. Her passion for ballet, combined with her determination and vision, has left a lasting legacy. Margaret Scott’s remarkable contributions to the world of dance continue to inspire future generations of dancers.
Awards:
– Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)
– Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)