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Edris Stannus was born in the Irish village of Baltiboys on June 6th 1898.
As a child she loved to dance, learning the traditional Irish dancing. When she was seven years old the family moved to England, and it was here that Edris learnt ballroom dancing. Her mother realised that this delicate young girl had the talent to dance professionally, changed her name to Ninette de Valois. Ninette was sent to study at the Lila Field Academy, a London theatrical school. Whilst attending the Academy she was introduced to ballet. She quickly realised this was the form of dance she loved more than any other. Her talent for it was obvious to all around her.
Soon she was a leading Ballerina in London. This led to a position in1923 with Serge Diaghilev Ballet Russes. It was to last for two years.
On her return to London Ninette began to have doubts about her dancing, although she loved all aspects of ballet, she found herself being drawn more to the choreography side rather than performing on stage. By 1926 she gave up dancing.
She then opened her own Ballet school, at the same time as becoming involved with three theatre groups, The Old Vic in London, The Festival Theatre in Cambridge and The Abby Theatre in Dublin. She soon gained a huge following in the dance world, and by 1931 a full evening of ballet she had choreographed took place at The Old Vic.
In 1935 Ninette married an Irish surgeon, by the name of Arthur Connell.
It would prove to be a long and happy union, lasting until his death in 1986.
Her ballet company had become known as the Royal Ballet Company, an honour of which Ninette was extremely proud.
Her choreography was considered daring for the era, even controversial.
Ninette had a talent for seeing the possibilities of a good dancer, and took the newly defected Rudolf Nureyev into her company. It was to prove to be a hugely popular decision, by both the dancers and public alike.
She retired from the ballet in 1963, after which she was made a life governor of the Royal Ballet.
The list of honours she received during her lifetime reflects perfectly her talent and flair.
In 1950 she was awarded the French Legion of Honour, 1951 she was made a Dame, 1974 the Erasmus prize, in 1980 Queen Elizabeth 11 appointed her with the Companions of Honour, 1992 The Society of West End Theatre Special Award and the Dance Magazine Award in 1996 to name but a few.
Ninette passed away at her London home on March 8th 2001. |
