Ninette Devalois

Ninette Devalois was a British dancer and choreographer, who is regarded as a pioneer in the world of ballet. She is famous for her contribution to the dance industry, especially for her performances with Ballets Russes and her establishment of the prestigious Royal Ballet.

Born on June 6, 1898, in County Wicklow, Ireland, Ninette Devalois was originally named Edris Stannus. She later changed her name to Ninette de Valois, which she thought would sound more sophisticated and French. Her family had a strong connection to the arts, as her mother was a painter and her father was an officer in the British Army who had a passion for music. Ninette was homeschooled by her mother, who also taught her ballet.

At the age of 13, Ninette Devalois enrolled at the Lila Field Academy for Children in London, where she received her professional dance training. She later joined the ballet corps of the Beecham Opera Company and appeared in her first leading role at the age of 18. In the early 1920s, Ninette joined the Ballets Russes and quickly became a star performer due to her exceptional talent and hard work.

Ninette Devalois established the Royal Ballet in 1931, which later became the world-renowned Royal Ballet School and the Royal Ballet Company. She mentored and trained generations of dancers, including Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, who went on to become legends of the dance world.

Ninette was known for her unwavering dedication to dance and her immense talent as both a performer and a choreographer. She was also known for her strong personality, which helped her navigate challenges and obstacles throughout her life. Her determination and perseverance helped her achieve great success in her career, despite facing discrimination and biases as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

Despite being known for her public persona, Ninette was also a private person. She married Arthur Connell in 1935, and they remained married until her death. She was deeply loved and respected by her colleagues and fans, and her contributions to the world of dance will never be forgotten.

Ninette Devalois was linked to many other notable figures in the dance industry, including her students, colleagues, and fans. Some of her notable friends and colleagues included Frederick Ashton, Robert Helpmann, and Constant Lambert. She also had some rivals, including Serge Diaghilev, the founder of Ballets Russes, who initially rejected her for being too young when she auditioned for his company.

In 1992, Ninette Devalois was presented with the Laurence Olivier Award, recognizing her contributions to the performing arts. Her legacy lives on to this day, and she will always be remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of dancers and choreographers.