Dame Alicia Markova (1910–2004,) born Lilian Alicia Marks, was a British ballerina, choreographer, and teacher, regarded as one of the greatest classical dancers of the 20th century. Known for ethereal grace and technical precision, she was the first British prima ballerina to achieve international acclaim.
Born in London, Markova began dancing young to strengthen weak limbs. She trained under Princess Serafina Astafieva and was discovered by Sergei Diaghilev, joining his Ballets Russes at 14. After Diaghilev’s death, she helped found several major ballet companies, including Rambert Dance Company, The Royal Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. In 1950, she co-founded English National Ballet with Anton Dolin.
Markova was celebrated for Giselle, Les Sylphides, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker. She excelled in modern works, including Léonide Massine’s Rouge et Noir (1939) and Antony Tudor’s Romeo and Juliet (1943.) She published Giselle and I (1960,) reflecting on her signature role.
Retiring in 1963, Markova became a director, coach, and lecturer, shaping future dancers. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1969.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Alicia Markova
Glorious bouquets and storms of applause are the trimmings which every artist naturally enjoys. but to move an audience in such a role, to hear in the applause that unmistakable note which breaks through good theatre manners and comes from the heart, is to feel that you have won through to life itself. Such pleasure does not vanish with the fall of the curtain, but becomes part of one’s own life.
—Alicia Markova
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