Born: 1919 (Reigate, Surrey)
Biography:
Dame Margaret Evelyn de Arias DBE, known by the stage name Margot Fonteyn, was an English ballerina who made an indelible mark on the world of dance. Born on May 18, 1919, in Reigate, Surrey, she was the third child of a British engineer father and an Irish mother. Fonteyn’s love for ballet was evident from a young age, as she began taking lessons at the age of four. Her passion and dedication propelled her to become one of the most celebrated and influential dancers of her time.
Fonteyn’s journey in the world of dance took her across continents and through numerous challenges. During her childhood, her family moved to Shanghai, China, where she continued her training under the guidance of Russian expatriate dancer Georgy Goncharov. This exposure to Russian ballet ignited a lifelong fascination and influence in Fonteyn’s artistic style. After five years in Shanghai, Fonteyn returned to London at the age of 14 and caught the attention of Ninette de Valois, the founder of the Vic-Wells Ballet School (later known as the Royal Ballet).
Under de Valois’ tutelage, Fonteyn flourished and quickly ascended the ranks of the ballet world. In 1935, she became prima ballerina of the company, succeeding Alicia Markova. Fonteyn’s partnership with Robert Helpmann, a fellow dancer with the company, began in the 1930s and lasted until the 1940s. Together, they captivated audiences with their performances and showcased the talents of British ballet to the world.
In 1946, the Vic-Wells Ballet (renamed the Sadler’s Wells Ballet) moved to the prestigious Royal Opera House at Covent Garden. Fonteyn forged a close partnership with Michael Somes, and together they became synonymous with the elegance and grace of British ballet. Among Fonteyn’s many notable performances, her portrayal of Princess Aurora in Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty became a defining role for both herself and the company.
Sir Frederick Ashton, the acclaimed choreographer, wrote numerous pieces for Fonteyn and her partners, including Symphonic Variations, Cinderella, Daphnis and Chloe, Ondine, and Sylvia. Fonteyn’s exceptional technique and ability to bring characters to life made her an unparalleled muse for Ashton’s creations.
Fonteyn’s talent and reputation extended beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. In 1949, she led the Sadler’s Wells Ballet on a highly successful tour of the United States, which cemented her status as an international dance superstar. Her performances were met with critical acclaim, and she became a beloved figure in the world of ballet.
Throughout her career, Fonteyn embraced the emerging medium of television, bringing ballet into the homes of millions. She performed in televised broadcasts of ballet performances in Britain, and in the early 1950s, she even appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, expanding the popularity of dance in the United States.
In 1955, Fonteyn married Roberto Arias, a Panamanian politician, and became known as Dame Margot Fonteyn de Arias. She continued to push boundaries and break new ground in her career. In that same year, she appeared in a live color production of The Sleeping Beauty, which was aired on NBC. Three years later, Fonteyn and Somes danced for the BBC television adaptation of The Nutcracker, further showcasing their versatility and artistry.
Fonteyn’s career took a new turn in 1959 when the Royal Ballet granted her the status of a freelance dancer. This allowed her to accept guest artist invitations from around the world, expanding her artistic horizons and reaching new audiences. However, it was in 1961 that Fonteyn experienced a momentous turning point in her career.
At the age of 42, Fonteyn’s retirement seemed imminent until a catalytic event altered the course of her life. Rudolf Nureyev, a young and charismatic dancer, defected from the Kirov Ballet while performing in Paris. Reluctant at first due to their significant age difference, Fonteyn eventually partnered with Nureyev for his debut with the Royal Ballet, dancing in the iconic ballet Giselle on February 21, 1962.
The partnership between Fonteyn and Nureyev would prove to be one of the most remarkable and transformative partnerships in ballet history. Their chemistry and mutual inspiration enabled them to push each other to new heights, creating breathtaking performances that captivated audiences worldwide. They became known for their classical repertoire, performing iconic works such as Le Corsaire Pas de Deux, Les Sylphides, La Bayadère, Swan Lake, and Raymonda. Nureyev also adapted choreographies specifically to showcase their exceptional talents.
One of their most notable collaborations was Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand, which was premiered in 1963. The ballet, based on the tragic love story of Marguerite Gautier and Armand Duval from Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Lady of the Camellias, became synonymous with Fonteyn and Nureyev. Their performances left an indelible mark on the world of dance and solidified their place in the annals of ballet history.
Fonteyn’s extraordinary career spanned over four decades, during which she garnered awards, accolades, and recognition for her contributions to the world of ballet. Her impact on society extended beyond the stage, as she inspired generations of dancers and brought ballet into the mainstream. With her grace, talent, and dedication, Margot Fonteyn became a true icon and a testament to the power of the arts.
Awards:
-Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)