Michael Somes

Michael Somes
According to the title page, the image is credited to Houston Rogers · Public domain · source
Name	Michael Somes
Birth date	1920-11-27
Birth place	London, England
Death date	1994-05-15
Death place	London, England
Occupation	Ballet dancer, teacher, choreographer
Years active	1930s–1980s
Spouse	Margaret Dale

Michael Somes was an English principal ballet dancer and teacher prominent in the mid-20th century. He became a leading figure with the Sadler's Wells Ballet and later the Royal Ballet, celebrated for his partnerships, dramatic presence, and contributions to British ballet pedagogy. Somes worked with major choreographers and companies, appearing in premieres and international tours that helped establish British ballet on the world stage.

Early life and education

Born in London in 1920, Somes trained at the Rambert School and subsequently at Sadler's Wells Ballet School under the influence of teachers associated with the early 20th-century British ballet revival. His education intersected with institutions and figures linked to the development of ballet in Britain, including the Ballet Rambert network and teachers connected to Enrico Cecchetti's methods. Early exposure to touring companies and the West End theatre scene shaped his technique and stagecraft.

Ballet career

Somes joined the corps of Sadler's Wells Ballet in the 1930s and advanced rapidly, becoming a principal dancer by the 1940s. He partnered leading ballerinas in repertoire staged by the company at venues such as Royal Opera House and toured with the company to locations including Europe, North America, and Australia. During his tenure he appeared in productions associated with the postwar expansion of the Royal Ballet and its residency at Covent Garden, participating in initiatives connected to cultural diplomacy after World War II. Somes's career overlapped with administrative and artistic leadership from figures at the Royal Opera House and institutions like the Arts Council of Great Britain.

Major roles and collaborations

Somes danced leading roles in ballets choreographed by prominent creators such as Frederick Ashton, Vaslav Nijinsky-influenced works revived by British choreographers, and pieces by Ninette de Valois. He was frequently paired with ballerinas including Margot Fonteyn, forming a celebrated partnership that drew critical acclaim on tours and state occasions. Somes performed in productions connected to repertory items like Ashton’s creations and works staged by guest choreographers from companies such as the Ballets Russes émigré diaspora and postwar touring ensembles. He collaborated with conductors and designers affiliated with Covent Garden productions, and worked with international directors during festival appearances at venues such as the Edinburgh Festival.

Choreography and teaching

After peak performing years, Somes transitioned to teaching and occasional choreography, contributing to training at institutions linked to British ballet pedagogy, including the Royal Ballet School and companies touring under the aegis of the Arts Council of Great Britain. He coached dancers for roles in repertoire established by choreographers like Frederick Ashton and Ninette de Valois, and influenced staging of works by guest creators drawn from companies such as the American Ballet Theatre and the Paris Opera Ballet. Somes also provided masterclasses for students connected to international institutions including the Juilliard School and conservatoires that hosted visiting British artists.

Personal life

Somes's private life intersected with the theatrical and broadcasting world; he was married to Margaret Dale, a noted television producer and director associated with BBC Television, and moved in social circles that included artists from Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House administration, and the broader performing-arts community. He maintained friendships with contemporaries such as Robert Helpmann, Antony Tudor, and dancers from touring delegations who visited Britain during postwar cultural exchanges. Somes was involved in charitable activities connected to arts organizations and supported initiatives linked to dance education and youth programs associated with institutions like the Royal Ballet School.

Legacy and honours

Somes is remembered for helping solidify the golden age of British ballet in the mid-20th century through performance, partnership, and pedagogy. His collaborations with Margot Fonteyn and choreographers such as Frederick Ashton contributed to repertory that remains central to the Royal Ballet canon. Honours and recognition during and after his career included appreciation from organizations involved in dance preservation and coverage in cultural histories produced by institutions like the Royal Opera House archives and major arts journals. His teaching influenced generations of dancers who later joined companies including the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, and international troupes sustained by exchanges with establishments such as the Kirov Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet.

Category:English male ballet dancers Category:Royal Ballet principals