Prima Ballerinas 68

Ninette de Valois: A Life Dedicated to Ballet
I’m not entirely sure where to begin, her story is so vast and inspiring. You see, Ninette de Valois was much more than just a dancer; she was a visionary, a pioneer, the very heart of British ballet. Born in 1898, she dedicated her life to building an art form from the ground up. I'm sure she'd chuckle at me using the word 'build', but there was indeed an architecture to her approach, an almost military precision in her vision. Her real name, Edris Stannus, is a mere shadow of the artistic identity she so cleverly crafted. "Ninette de Valois," – it rolls off the tongue, a whisper of Parisian charm, of grace, a touch of "je ne sais quoi" – an enchanting moniker for a woman who brought French flair and discipline to the otherwise somewhat austere English ballet scene.
A Passion for Dance
Her life began, like any ballet tale, in the theatre. Her father, a renowned theatrical designer, introduced her to the stage from a very young age. Perhaps her fate was sealed from that point; the magic of theatre woven into the very fabric of her childhood. In 1914, she found herself drawn to London, lured by the bright lights and the world of professional dance. She studied at the celebrated "Russian Ballet," under the tutelage of the esteemed Tamara Karsavina and Sergi Diaghilev, two giants in the world of ballet. And in that magical space, among the silks and shimmering costumes, she found her calling, a burning passion to make the art of dance soar, to ignite the flame of ballet on English soil.
A Visionary Force: The Birth of Ballet Rambert
This vision would manifest itself in the form of Ballet Rambert. Back then, there were only tiny glimmers of ballet in Britain. It was something borrowed, not a native bloom. With fierce determination, she partnered with Marie Rambert, her fellow student at the Russian Ballet, and in 1926, Ballet Rambert, the very first professional ballet company, was born. The seeds of British ballet had finally been sown. De Valois’ contribution went far beyond just choreography; she poured her spirit into the company, molding it into a unique ensemble, instilling within its members a fierce discipline, a dedication to precision and, most importantly, a love of dance. Ballet Rambert was not merely a dance troupe but a creative force, a pioneering company. And that is precisely how she would become known: a visionary. Not merely a ballerina herself, she possessed a keen eye, a mind trained to see not just individual beauty but the power of movement in its collective form. Her work transcended dance; it embraced theatricality, an inherent understanding of narrative that would define her career. The stage became a tapestry woven with stories, and she was the master weaver.
Founding the Royal Ballet: A Monument to Ballet
Then came a defining moment, one that would shape her legacy. The year was 1931. The esteemed Vic-Wells Ballet (later renamed the Royal Ballet) beckoned her with its ambitious project, the creation of a ballet school and company in London. It was a challenge on a monumental scale, and de Valois took the reins, not only shaping the company's repertoire but establishing a ballet school of excellence that remains the heart of British ballet to this day. Her arrival marked a turning point in British ballet, a transition from fledgling enthusiasm to an unparalleled artistic force. She had an uncanny gift, the ability to discern talent, a talent scout of sorts. She fostered the skills of brilliant young dancers – dancers like Frederick Ashton, Margot Fonteyn, and Robert Helpmann, names etched forever in the hall of fame of ballet. The Vic-Wells Ballet, under de Valois' artistic direction, flourished. Their performances at the Sadler’s Wells theatre in London would become legendary. Under her guidance, they moved to Covent Garden in 1946, solidifying their place at the heart of London's cultural scene. She transformed them from a company seeking recognition into an icon, the Royal Ballet. It's impossible to truly convey her legacy; it sits at the very foundation of the institution that stands today.
A Guiding Light
Her influence wasn't confined to the Royal Ballet. De Valois possessed an enduring spirit, an almost motherly instinct to nurture and encourage, not just within her own company but throughout the entire British ballet scene. The ballet scene in Britain thrived under her guidance. She inspired generations of dancers, not simply by teaching, but by setting an example – a life lived not for glory, but for the art form itself. De Valois wasn't simply a teacher. She possessed the gift of transforming her dancers into partners, challenging their potential, nurturing individuality, and crafting each of them to achieve their best. I’m certain they would all describe her as a remarkable choreographer. She would infuse her ballets with emotion, a powerful blend of passion, elegance, and a dash of theatrical charm.
A Lifetime of Dedication
It’s not the easiest feat, you see, to craft a life that balances so well between artistry and leadership. To have been both an acclaimed ballerina and a groundbreaking director, to build and shape such a vibrant and enduring art form – it almost defies belief. It was a life completely given to the world of ballet. She retired from the Royal Ballet in 1963, and while that period marked a pause in her direct involvement, it was in no way the end of her influence. For even after stepping back from the day-to-day running of the ballet, she remained an active participant in the world of dance, an enduring figure who never truly left the stage. And with that, she left behind a rich legacy, not just for the Royal Ballet, but for every dancer who found inspiration in the elegance of movement, the sheer power of storytelling that dance could offer. In 1981, the British honours system awarded de Valois a Damehood for her immense contributions to the art of ballet. The title “Dame Ninette de Valois” seems so right – it embodies a combination of power, elegance, and undeniable passion, all woven together to create a life worthy of imitation, a life worthy of celebration. This is the legacy she has left – a testament to the extraordinary woman behind a magnificent name: Ninette de Valois.