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Born
Margot Evelyn Hookhan was born on may 18th 1919, in Reigate, Surrey, England, UK. -
started ballet
Margot started taking ballet lessons at age four in Ealing. -
Moved to China
In 1928, Margot's family moved to China, where she studied in Shanghai under George Goncharov. -
Moved back To England
She returned back to England in 1933 to study under Serfina Astafieva -
1934 joined Sadler’s Wells School
In 1934 joined Sadler’s Wells School. As a student she made her debut with Vic-Wells Ballet and made her solo debut in that same year, as Young Tregennis (De Valois’ The Haunted Ballroom). -
A leading danseuse
Alicia Markova left the company in 1935. This is when Fontey took over her many roles, including Giselle. this is the time when Margot became the leading danseuse and developed a great partnership with Robert Helpmann in the classical ballets. She debuted as a snowflake in the nutcracker. In later performances, she danced Aurora in the Vic-Wells production of Sleeping Beauty and many others -
Performed for the first time in America
there performances in the United stated during the time of World War II were triumphantly received -
Received award
Received a CBE award and also started partnership with Michael Somes. also performed in Romeo and Juliet -
Received award
received another award, DBE becoming the Dame of the British Empire. -
Greatest Partnership
Just when she was predicted to be retiring, Margot formed what is concidered to be her greatest partnership, with Rudolph Nureyev. -
Giselle
Nureyev and Fonteyn first appeared on stage together in a performance of Giselle -
Last performance
Fonteyn performed for the last time and was named the prima ballerina in the royal ballet. -
died
Margot Fonteyn passed away from cancer. She was considered the greatest dancer of her time, and had a very long career as a prima ballerina. She performed in many roles including cinderella, Swan lake, The Fire Bird, Giselle and Horoscope. Once retired she lived in South America with her husband.
