Margot Fonteyn

Margot Fonteyn
Name	Margot Fonteyn
Caption	Fonteyn in 1962
Birth name	Margaret Evelyn Hookham
Birth date	18 May 1919
Birth place	Reigate, Surrey, England
Death date	21 February 1991
Death place	Panama City, Panama
Occupation	Prima ballerina assoluta
Spouse	Roberto Arias
Awards	Royal Academy of Dance Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award, Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Margot Fonteyn was a British ballerina widely regarded as one of the greatest classical dancers of the 20th century. She spent her entire performing career with the Royal Ballet, eventually being appointed its prima ballerina assoluta. Fonteyn is particularly celebrated for her artistic partnership with Rudolf Nureyev, which revitalized her career and captivated global audiences. Her technical precision, musicality, and dramatic depth left an indelible mark on the world of ballet.

Early life and training

Born Margaret Evelyn Hookham in Reigate, her early childhood was spent in Shanghai and Louisville, Kentucky, where she began dance lessons. Returning to England, she studied at the Sadler's Wells Ballet School under the influential teachers Ninette de Valois and Vera Volkova. Her professional debut came at age 14 with the Vic-Wells Ballet, the precursor to the Royal Ballet. Recognized for her exceptional talent and purity of line, she quickly rose through the ranks, dancing her first major role in Frederick Ashton's *Le Baiser de la Fée* at just 16.

Career with The Royal Ballet

Fonteyn became the cornerstone of the Royal Ballet throughout the mid-20th century, defining the company's style and repertoire. She created many iconic roles in works by Frederick Ashton, including the title role in *Ondine*, and in ballets such as *Symphonic Variations* and *Daphnis and Chloë*. Her interpretations of the classical repertoire, including *Giselle*, *Swan Lake*, and *The Sleeping Beauty*, became legendary for their technical assurance and profound emotional resonance. Her performances at the Royal Opera House established her as a national icon and a leading international star.

Partnership with Rudolf Nureyev

In 1962, Fonteyn began a legendary artistic partnership with the defecting Soviet star Rudolf Nureyev, despite a significant age difference. Their first performance together in *Giselle* at the Royal Opera House caused a sensation. The pair went on to achieve unprecedented fame, performing classic pas de deux from *Le Corsaire* and *Don Quixote*, as well as new productions like Kenneth MacMillan's *Romeo and Juliet*. Their chemistry electrified audiences worldwide, touring extensively with the Royal Ballet and as guest artists, revitalizing public interest in ballet.

Later career and retirement

Fonteyn continued to perform internationally into her late fifties, a remarkable feat for a prima ballerina. After her official retirement from the stage in 1979, she remained active in the dance world as a teacher, coach, and judge for competitions like the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. She also served as president of the Royal Academy of Dance. In her later years, she authored several books, including an autobiography, and presented television programs on BBC television about the art of ballet.

Personal life

In 1955, Fonteyn married Roberto Arias, a Panamanian diplomat and former ambassador to the Court of St James's. Her life was profoundly affected in 1964 when Arias was shot and left paralyzed in an assassination attempt in Panama City. Fonteyn devoted herself to his care while maintaining her career. She spent much of her later life in Panama, where she managed a cattle ranch. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1956.

Legacy and honours

Fonteyn's legacy as a prima ballerina assoluta endures as a benchmark of artistry and dedication. She received numerous honours, including the Royal Academy of Dance Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award. Her influence extended beyond performance, shaping the training and aesthetics of generations of dancers through the Royal Ballet School. The annual Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, established in her memory, continues to discover and support young talent. Her name remains synonymous with the grace, discipline, and expressive power of British ballet during its golden age.

Category:English ballerinas Category:Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire Category:Royal Ballet dancers