# Ninette de Valois

> British dancer, teacher, choreographer and director of classical ballet

**Wikidata**: [Q234436](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234436)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninette_de_Valois)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ninette-de-valois

## Summary
Ninette de Valois was a British dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director of classical ballet, best known for founding The Royal Ballet and shaping the landscape of British ballet in the 20th century. Her leadership and artistic vision established ballet as a respected art form in the UK, and her influence extended globally through her choreography, teaching, and institutional leadership.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 6, 1898
- **Nationality**: British
- **Education**: Trained at the Royal Ballet School
- **Known for**: Founding The Royal Ballet and revolutionizing British ballet
- **Employer(s)**: The Royal Ballet, Royal Ballet School
- **Field(s)**: Ballet, choreography, dance education

## Contributions
Ninette de Valois founded The Royal Ballet in 1931, which became one of the world’s leading ballet companies. She also played a pivotal role in establishing the Royal Ballet School, nurturing generations of dancers. Her choreographic works, such as *The Rake’s Progress* and *Checkmate*, are celebrated for their innovation and artistic depth. Additionally, she served as a ballet master and director, setting technical and artistic standards for classical ballet in the UK.

## FAQs
**What is Ninette de Valois best known for?**
Ninette de Valois is best known for founding The Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet School, which became cornerstones of British ballet. Her leadership and choreography helped elevate ballet to a prominent cultural position in the UK.

**What awards did Ninette de Valois receive?**
She received numerous prestigious awards, including the Order of Merit, the Legion of Honour, the Erasmus Prize, and the Albert Medal from the Royal Society of Arts.

**Where did Ninette de Valois study?**
She trained at the Royal Ballet School, where she developed her skills as a dancer and choreographer.

**What are some of Ninette de Valois’ most famous works?**
Her notable choreographic works include *The Rake’s Progress* and *Checkmate*, which are renowned for their artistic innovation and storytelling.

**What role did Ninette de Valois play at The Royal Ballet?**
She served as the director of The Royal Ballet, where she shaped its artistic direction, nurtured talent, and established it as a world-class institution.

## Why They Matter
Ninette de Valois transformed British ballet from a niche art form into a globally respected discipline. Her founding of The Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet School created a legacy that continues to influence dance education and performance today. Her choreography and leadership inspired generations of dancers and choreographers, cementing her as a foundational figure in ballet history.

## Notable For
- Founding The Royal Ballet (1931) and the Royal Ballet School
- Choreographing iconic ballets like *The Rake’s Progress* and *Checkmate*
- Receiving the Order of Merit, Legion of Honour, and Erasmus Prize
- Serving as a director and ballet master, setting technical standards in classical ballet
- Being a key figure in establishing ballet as a major cultural force in the UK

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Ninette de Valois was born on June 6, 1898. She trained at the Royal Ballet School, where she honed her skills as a dancer and choreographer. Her early education laid the foundation for her future contributions to ballet.

### Career and Leadership
De Valois founded The Royal Ballet in 1931, which became one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. She also played a crucial role in establishing the Royal Ballet School, which has trained countless dancers. As director of The Royal Ballet, she shaped its artistic vision and nurtured talent, ensuring its place as a leader in classical ballet.

Her choreographic works, such as *The Rake’s Progress* and *Checkmate*, are celebrated for their innovation and artistic depth. These ballets have been performed by major companies worldwide and remain influential in the dance community.

### Awards and Recognition
Ninette de Valois received numerous accolades, including the Order of Merit, the Legion of Honour, the Erasmus Prize, and the Albert Medal. These awards recognize her outstanding contributions to ballet and her lasting impact on the arts.

### Legacy and Influence
De Valois’ work has had a profound and enduring impact on ballet. Her founding of The Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet School created institutions that continue to shape dance education and performance. Her choreography and leadership inspired generations of dancers and choreographers, ensuring her legacy as a pioneer in British ballet.

Her influence extends beyond the UK, with her contributions recognized internationally. She is remembered as a visionary who elevated ballet to new heights of artistic and cultural significance.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. The Peerage
3. Integrated Authority File
4. LIBRIS. 2004
5. [Source](https://erasmusprijs.org/prijswinnaars/dame-ninette-de-valois/)
6. general catalog of BnF
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. SNAC
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. Find a Grave
12. FemBio database
13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
14. Munzinger Personen
15. A historical dictionary of British women
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. BBC Things
18. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
19. performing-arts.ch