Ninette Valois(real name Edris Stannus) Irish dancer, choreographer and teacher
Date of Birth: 06.06.1898
Country: Ireland |
Content:
- Biography of Ninette de Valois
- Early Life and Career
- Establishment of Vic-Wells Ballet
- Notable Works
- Legacy
Biography of Ninette de Valois
Ninette de Valois, born Edris Stannus, was an Irish dancer, choreographer, and educator. She was born on June 6, 1898, in Blessington, County Wicklow, Ireland.
Early Life and Career
Ninette de Valois began her dance training at a young age and showed immense talent and passion for the art form. She studied various dance styles, including classical ballet, and quickly became recognized for her skills.
In 1913, at the age of 15, she joined the Ballets Russes company, where she danced under the stage name Ninette de Valois. She performed in numerous productions and gained valuable experience working with renowned choreographers and dancers of the time.
Establishment of Vic-Wells Ballet
In 1931, Ninette de Valois founded the Vic-Wells Ballet company, which would later become known as the Royal Ballet. She served as the artistic director of the company until 1963, shaping it into one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world.
Under her leadership, the Royal Ballet presented groundbreaking performances and introduced innovative choreography. De Valois was known for her commitment to preserving the classical ballet tradition while also embracing new movements and techniques.
Notable Works
Throughout her career, Ninette de Valois choreographed numerous ballets that showcased her artistic vision and creativity. Some of her notable works include "Job" (music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1931) and "Checkmate" (music by Arthur Bliss, 1937).
In addition to her choreographic achievements, de Valois was also a prolific author. She wrote books such as "Invitation to the Ballet" (1937) and "Come Dance with Me" (1957), which provided insights into the world of ballet and served as valuable resources for dance enthusiasts.
Legacy
Ninette de Valois made significant contributions to the world of ballet as a dancer, choreographer, and educator. Her dedication to the art form and her innovative approach to ballet helped shape the future of British dance.
She was instrumental in establishing ballet as a respected art form in the United Kingdom and played a crucial role in the development of the Royal Ballet School, which has produced many internationally renowned dancers.
Ninette de Valois received numerous honors and awards throughout her career, including the Order of Merit and the Order of the Companions of Honour. She passed away on March 8, 2001, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of ballet. Her artistic contributions continue to inspire and influence generations of dancers and choreographers.