Darcey Bussell

Darcey Bussell is the most famous British ballerina of her generation as well as one of the best female ballet dancers. She is aslo a former Principal with The Royal Ballet. During her nearly two decades as a Principal, she gained international acclaim for her unusual blend of having a tall and athletic body while dancing with sweet lyricism.

Darcey attended The Royal Ballet School before joining the Company in 1988. After the premiere of Kenneth MacMillan's The Prince of the Pagodas, in which she developed the lead part, she was elevated to Principal in 1989, at the age of 20. Darcey left the Company in June 2007 with a live broadcast of MacMillan's Song of the Earth on BBC2. She came out of retirement to perform the 'Spirit of the Flame' at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

Far and away the Royal Ballet's most acclaimed home-grown ballerina in recent decades, and the only one after Margot Fonteyn whose fame has transcended the confines of the dance world. Darcey Bussell is currently a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, but few will forget her line, musicality, athleticism, and glitz.

Born: 1969
Nationality: British