Margot Fonteyn

Dame Margot Fonteyn, a British ballet dancer, was a legendary figure in the field, revered for her stage presence, technical mastery, and deft characterization. Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the title "prima ballerina assoluta" on her. In addition, Margot Fonteyn received her training at the Royal Ballet School and spent her whole career as a dancer with the company, performing until she was in her late 40s. Fonteyn's first significant role in Ashton's new work, Le Baiser de la Fee, was created for her by choreographer Frederick Ashton.

Margot Fonteyn's dance career was revived in 1965 when she teamed up with Rudolf Nureyev, a 19-year-old dancer. Their dance partnership became an international sensation, with each of them bringing out the best in the other. It was said that while playing Juliet alongside Nureyev as Romeo, she accomplished her greatest artistic victory, receiving 43 curtain calls in less than 40 minutes.

Born: May 18, 1919
Died: February 21, 1991
Aged: 71
Nationality: British