(1919 – 1991)
Regarded as the UK’s first homegrown prima ballerina, Margot was born in Reigate and began ballet lessons aged four before her family moved to China. Returning to the UK aged 14 she joined Sadler’s Wells School in 1934 (later renamed the Royal Ballet). When the company’s first prima ballerina left, many of the roles were inherited by Margot (by then aged 16).
In 1949, she led the company in a tour of the United States and became an international celebrity. She became president of the Royal Academy of Dancing in 1954 and, largely due to her international fame and many guest artist requests, the Royal Ballet allowed Fonteyn to become a freelance dancer in 1959.
She was reaching the end of her career when she first performed with Nureyev in Giselle in1962; a role she was reluctant to take on due to a 19 year age difference. Still, their partnership became one of the most famed in ballet’s history. Fonteyn retired in 1979 at the age of 60 but continued to be involved in the world of dancing until she died.
The bronze was unveiled by Margot herself in 1980 and was commissioned by fans from around the globe. The statue depicts her as the water sprite, Ondine, which was her favourite role.
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