Anthony Dowell

Anthony Dowell was born in London and attended the Hampshire School as well as the Lower and Upper Schools of The Royal Ballet. He joined The Royal Ballet in 1961, and less than two years later, Frederick Ashton chose him to play Oberon in The Dream. He initially danced with Antoinette Sibley, who created Titania, in this ballet, and the foundation for an excellent ballet collaboration was laid. He became director of the Royal Ballet in his mid-forties, while still dancing main roles, and kept the position for fifteen years.

Dowell rapidly became known for his ability to combine an exceptionally strong technique with lyrical beauty and restraint in his dancing. His innate theatrical sense enabled him to bring to life the heroes of full-length classical ballets such as Albrecht in Giselle and Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, and he was equally at home in traditional or modern works. By 1966, he had advanced to the position of principal dancer.

Anthony Dowell never danced on point, but his demi-point stepping - often in piquée arabesque - became one of his trademarks. It is still recognized as such by the many male dancers who take on the roles he created. He is regarded as one of the greatest "danseurs nobles" of the twentieth century as well as one of the most famous male ballet dancers.

Born: 1943

Nationality: English