Inspirational Quotes by Margot Fonteyn (British Ballerina)

Margot Fonteyn (1919–91,) born Margaret Evelyn de Arias, née Hookham, was an English ballerina and one of the most celebrated dancers of the 20th century. She spent her entire career with the Royal Ballet and was named prima ballerina assoluta by Queen Elizabeth II.

Born in Reigate, England, Fonteyn began ballet lessons at four. She trained in Shanghai under Russian dancer George Goncharov before continuing her studies in London at the Sadler’s Wells Ballet School. Joining the Vic-Wells Ballet (later the Royal Ballet) in 1934, she quickly rose to prominence, taking over leading roles from Alicia Markova.

Fonteyn became internationally renowned for performances in The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliet. She formed legendary partnerships with Robert Helpmann and later Rudolf Nureyev, dancing with him from 1962 despite their 19-year age difference. Retiring from the stage in 1979, she remained active in dance through teaching and coaching. She was honored as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1956.

Her works include Margot Fonteyn: Autobiography (1975,) reflecting on her career, and The Magic of Dance (1979,) a study of ballet history. Meredith Daneman’s Margot Fonteyn: A Life (2004) provides an in-depth study, while Keith Money’s Margot Fonteyn (1973) offers a photographic tribute.

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