Prima Ballerinas 395

Ninette de Valois: A Life Dedicated to Ballet
Ninette de Valois, born Edris Stannus in 1898, was a true pioneer of ballet in Britain. Her name is synonymous with the rise of British ballet, and her legacy is immeasurable. A Life of Passion Ninette de Valois, as she became known, was a woman of unwavering dedication and immense talent. She was born in Ireland but grew up in London, and from a young age, her passion for ballet was evident. Her love for the art form was all-consuming, a consuming passion that led her on a journey that would leave an enduring mark on the world of ballet. She trained in London and Paris, where she honed her skills under some of the greatest ballet masters of her time. Her time at the École de Danse de l'Opéra de Paris under Cecchetti instilled within her a deep reverence for classical ballet. This dedication to the classical style is the hallmark of her career, but she would bring in her own innovation and creativity that set the British dance scene ablaze. Founding a Legacy In 1931, Ninette de Valois co-founded the Vic-Wells Ballet, later to become the world-renowned Royal Ballet. It was the start of something monumental - her brainchild and her legacy. This venture was an ambitious one, and for a time she was forced to put her own dancing career on hold to build the foundations of her vision, leading it as a dancer, choreographer and teacher. It wasn’t long before the company rose to prominence under her meticulous guidance. De Valois didn't only create a company. She also nurtured an incredible community. Creating Stars She had the remarkable ability to spot raw talent, a discerning eye for grace, artistry, and determination, and it’s no wonder her talent found its way to some of the greatest names in British ballet. Sir Frederick Ashton, the acclaimed choreographer, trained under Ninette and was deeply influenced by her vision. Ashton created an abundance of ballets for the company, each a testament to their enduring collaboration and artistry. They became partners in creating ballet. It is an amazing feat that she led both the dance school and company and developed such a successful creative partnership. She gave a stage to Dame Margot Fonteyn, considered by many to be one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century. Fonteyn’s exquisite talent, grace, and charisma resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying her place in ballet history and De Valois, ever watchful of this burgeoning star, gave her the opportunity to blossom on stage. She saw something in Fonteyn and recognized that Fonteyn's artistry, grace and intelligence would carry her through a long and brilliant career. And of course, she brought up Dame Alicia Markova, another extraordinary British dancer. Under Ninette’s guidance, Markova became one of the most famous ballerinas of the time, a perfect exponent of the classic Russian tradition that De Valois embodied. But there were many other exceptional talents under her tutelage - Robert Helpmann, *Dame Moira Shearer*, *Rudolf Nureyev*, and *Anthony Dowell* all blossomed and became titans in their own right. Her legacy doesn't just end with these incredible dancers - De Valois championed young choreographers. De Valois fostered talent with a keen eye and nurtured creativity and saw it as a teacher, mentor and leader, bringing to life an era that truly defined British Ballet and brought new standards of excellence to a nation’s love for this most magical of arts. Championing Choreography Not only did she give dancers the platform to shine but, Ninette de Valois herself, was an accomplished choreographer, and her ballets often drew inspiration from her knowledge of Shakespeare and her own love for the history and folklore of her native Ireland. De Valois had a flair for storytelling on stage, weaving meaning and feeling through the movements of dancers and imbuing each piece with poetic flair and nuance. She would always find new stories, new emotions and always challenge herself to find something new and innovative and she never lost sight of the essence of classic dance It is this blend of tradition and innovation, of elegance and vitality that became the signature of her company, the hallmark of her choreography, and her influence is still evident in British Ballet to this day. A Lifelong Passion Beyond her dancing, choreography and her roles as mentor and teacher, she played an invaluable role in shaping dance education in Britain, founding the **Royal Ballet School**, and ensuring that future generations of dancers would receive the training, knowledge and guidance they needed to reach the highest levels of their craft. Ninette de Valois' contribution to ballet extends far beyond her time as a dancer and choreographer. She was a true champion of the art form, an impassioned advocate, and her dedication, along with the tireless support she received from *the Arts Council*, was instrumental in establishing Britain's position as a global leader in dance. Her commitment to her cause never faltered. Even as she reached her 90s, her eyes would light up when the topic of ballet arose. The fire was still burning brightly. De Valois received many honours over the years in recognition of her contribution. She was appointed **Dame of the Order of the British Empire in 1951 and received the Order of Merit in 1974**, and throughout her remarkable lifetime, she served as a source of inspiration and encouragement for dancers and arts enthusiasts around the world. She became one of Britain's cultural treasures and truly epitomised all that was elegant, graceful, and exquisite in ballet. **Beyond The Stage** Ninette de Valois was not simply a dancer, choreographer or founding figure of a prestigious ballet company, she was a woman of exceptional grace, intellect and wit. She led a fascinating and colorful life.
De Valois wasn't simply a dancer and teacher. She had strong interests outside ballet. Her love for music and literature were deep. Her connection to poetry and literature were strong as a reader of plays, poems, stories and a devotee of Shakespeare - an inspiration to the many ballets she produced. De Valois embraced Shakespeare and saw him as a natural fit to interpret on the stage, his narratives bringing something timeless to the ballet and inspiring generations of dance lovers, with a stage for Shakespeare and Shakespearean themes woven in with her ballets - a beautiful marriage of classical dance and art. It is through her passion for classical dance, her sharp, meticulous eye for talent, and her innate understanding of what it takes to build an enduring institution that De Valois truly defined the British Ballet and placed it firmly on the world stage, creating something truly special, truly original and truly magical that lives on today in the dancers of the Royal Ballet. Ninette de Valois’s life was one dedicated to a single purpose and with the unyielding passion for ballet, and the mark she made on the world is both immeasurable and undeniable. Her life story reminds us that great achievements begin with a burning passion and the determination to see those dreams to fruition and she had the energy and tenacity to carry it through over the course of a lifetime and leave behind an inspiring legacy that has left a profound impact on the art form itself, on its dancers, and on audiences throughout the world.