The History and Legacy of Margot Fonteyn

Introduction:

  Visual of Fonetyn, 1960s Getty Images 

    Margot Fonteyn was a remarkable and beloved classical ballerina. She was known for being an iconic figure in British ballet. I was very interested in researching Margot Fonteyn after learning of her role in The Sleeping Beauty. This production has always been a favorite of mine, so I was immediately eager to learn more about her involvement in the ballet community. Margot Fonteyn was an incredible dancer who inspired many young dancers to remain passionate for the art of ballet. Another reason I chose Fonteyn to research was because I believe she encompasses the qualities of a classical ballerina. If someone were to envision what a ballerina should dance like, I believe she is a perfect example. In each performance she partook in, she was known for putting on an incredible show that often made audiences emotional. I was also drawn to the longevity of Fonteyn’s career and the amount of roles that she performed across the span of forty years. When it comes to dancing, Fonteyn set a high standard for other dancers. Beyond that, I was interested in her assistance in larger institutions like the Royal Academy of Dancing where she continues to have a lasting legacy. Fonteyn worked alongside many well known choreographers and dancers throughout the span of her career which was inspiring to young dancers.

Biographical Information:

    Margot Fonteyn was born in Reigate Surrey on May 18th of 1919. She is the daughter of Felix and Hilda Hookman, neither of which were involved in ballet. When Margot was only four, her family moved to Ealing, where she spent the majority of her childhood. She began her first ballet classes with Grace Bosustow at the young age of four. Four years later, when Margot was eight, her family moved to Shanghai where her father had accepted a position for a tobacco company. When living in China, Margot took lessons from Russian instructor, George Goncharov. Eventually, a few years later, her mother Hilda relocated the family back to London in the hopes of developing Margot's career in ballet. Hilda was a significant influence on the beginning of Margot's ballet career as she was the sole reason Margot began taking dance classes. Her mother accompanied Margot to her early lessons in order to fully grasp what Margot needed to perfect to become a well-developed dancer. When back in London, Margot took lessons with Serafina Astafieva, a well-known Russian ballet teacher. Following her lessons with Astafieva, Margot was admitted to the Sadler's Wells Ballet School where she learned from Vera Volkova.

                                                 Margot and her Mother- Lisas History Room (1920s)

Career Information:

    Margot Fonteyn made her first ballet debut in 1934 with Vic-Wells Ballet while a student there. Throughout the span of her career, Margot danced primarily for Sadler’s Wells Ballet School. Margot worked closely with the choreographer Frederick Ashton, who choreographed numerous pieces for her and her partner Robert Helpmann. Margot and Robert spent close to ten years as striking dance partners before Margot began dancing with Michael Somes for the latter half of her career. Fonteyn is most famously known for her role in Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty. Her dancing in this role was distinguished by its perfect line and exquisite lyricism. She also went on to star in many other performances such as Symphonic Variations, Cinderella, Daphnis and Chloe, Ondine and Sylvia. The span of Margot Fonteyn's career reached close to forty years, beginning in 1934 and ending in 1979. Over this span of time, Fonteyn appeared to be boundless as she starred in over eighty roles and danced with close to thirty dance partners.In 1955, Margot married Robert Arias, a Panamanian politician. One of Margots' most notable dance partners was Rudolf Nureyev. She was hesitant to partner with Nureyev at first because of their 19-year age difference. However, the two of them went on to become international sensations. The duo consistently pushed the other to succeed in performance. Margot Fonteyn turned to making television presentations towards the end of her ballet career. While beginning her retirement, she also wrote a number of books. These novels included A Dancers World (1979), The Magic of Dance (1979), and her autobiography Margot Fonteyn. Although she was retired, Fonteyn remained a figure in the world of ballet until her death in 1991.

                                               Fonteyn as Aurora in 'The Sleeping Beauty' 1949

                                                       Fonteyn performing in 'The Sleeping Beauty'

Interesting Facts:

    While researching Margot Fonteyn, I discovered that she had significant influence in the expansion of the Royal Academy of Dancing. This institution was built upon her vision of providing education based on technical precision, authenticity, and integrity. The academy also put on an annual event in her honor, known as the Margot Fonteyn International Dance Competition. This competition is dedicated to promoting and rewarding standards of excellence in young ballet dancers across the world while giving them an opportunity to perform on an international stage. A core mission of this institution is to promote confidence in dance and clarity with technique. She developed her ideas for this institution with her colleague and friend, Ken Ludden who put her ideas into action after her death. Another interesting discovery was that Margot Fonteyn was an active ballerina until she retired at sixty years old. It is not common for ballerinas to remain active in the art this long, so her dedication for ballet is evident here. According to Woodward, in an interview with Fonteyn, she “...emphasizes repeatedly that she will never announce in advance her decision to retire, and that there won’t be a special farewell gala performance at Covent Garden in her honor” (Woodward). Fonteyn was known for not discussing the details of her retirement with the media. According to Harris, “Fonteyn is the first native ballerina of international caliber to be developed by a British company…” (Harris). I found this interesting because of her success in her later career.

                                         Margot Fonteyn International Dance Competition, 2023 Finalists

                                           Margot Fonteyn International Dance Competition, 2023

Conclusion:

    In conclusion, Margot Fonteyn remains a significant icon in the world of ballet today. Her history in the world of dance and her contributions to the art will continue to inspire young ballet dancers as long as her legacy lives on. Her career is often marked by her collaborations with legendary choreographers and dancers. Fonteyn's performances brought ballet to new audiences which contributed to the popularization of ballet. Throughout her career, she worked alongside famous partners and showcased dances from significant choreographers.Fonteyn always conveyed her emotion and passion through her dancing. Her legacy endures through the countless dancers big and small who she has inspired. Fonteyn was also widely recognized for her aid in directing the Royal Academy of Dancing where she taught in and expanded the institution. Her career lasted close to four decades which showcases her strong dedication for the art of ballet. Even through her later years in her career, Fonteyn was able to maintain her gracefulness and skill level. This is particularly inspiring for young dancers who are interested in increasing the longevity of their career. As a dancer, it is inspiring to have such a memorable dancer like Margot Fonteyn to look up to and acknowledge.

                                 Margot Fonteyn 'Black Swan' variation choreographed by Rudolf Nureyev

                               Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev in performance, 1964- Calisphere

Works Cited:

Harris, Dale. “Margot Fonteyn: Autobiography.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 9 May 1976, www.nytimes.com/1976/05/09/archives/margot-fonteyn-autobiography.html.

Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet, www.mfab.org/. Accessed 22 Oct. 2023.

“Margot Fonteyn: ‘I’ve Never Been a Dedicated Dancer’ – Archive, 25 February 1970.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 25 Feb. 2020, www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/feb/25/margot-fonteyn-interview-nureyev-1970.

“Margot Fonteyn.” Royal Opera House, www.roh.org.uk/people/margot-fonteyn. Accessed 22 Oct. 2023.