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Ninette de Valois
44quotes
Ninette de Valois: A Life Dedicated to Dance
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ninette de Valois was born Edeline Marguerite van den Steen as the daughter of Belgian parents in Ghent, Belgium. She is commonly known by her stage name, which she adopted early in her career.
Birth and Death Dates
Edeline van den Steen was born on June 6, 1898, and passed away on March 2, 2001, at the age of 102.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Ninette de Valois held British nationality throughout her life. She is best known for her work as a dancer, choreographer, director, and educator in the field of ballet.
Early Life and Background
De Valois began studying dance at the age of seven under the tutelage of Anna Pellegrini, a renowned Belgian ballerina. Her early training emphasized both ballet and music, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors. She later moved to London to continue her studies with the influential Marie Rambert.
Major Accomplishments
De Valois's professional career spanned over four decades. Notable achievements include founding The Vic-Wells Ballet (later renamed The Royal Ballet), which became a cornerstone of British ballet. Her pioneering work in choreographing and directing classical ballets, such as _Job_ and _Checkmate_, helped solidify her reputation.
Notable Works or Actions
De Valois's most notable works include:
_The Sleeping Beauty_: A groundbreaking production that showcased the Vic-Wells Ballet's capabilities.
_Checkmate_: A ballet choreographed by de Valois, which premiered in 1937 and remains a testament to her innovative spirit.
* Founding of The Royal Ballet School: De Valois played a pivotal role in establishing this esteemed institution.
Impact and Legacy
Ninette de Valois's influence on the world of ballet is immeasurable. Her dedication to promoting British ballet, as well as her tireless efforts to establish The Royal Ballet School, have left an indelible mark. De Valois was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1935 for services to dance.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ninette de Valois's commitment to ballet and her unwavering dedication to its development have made her a celebrated figure in the world of dance. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of dancers, choreographers, and directors.
Quotes by Ninette de Valois
Ninette de Valois's insights on:
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First of all, the most important, that is to learn everything good that has survived from other times, and carefully to watch the bad – and throw it out.
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You can’t stop what comes into a country, you can be influenced, but you can’t stop it, you shouldn’t, because it makes all the others interesting, we all get muddled up together, and produce something that belongs to everyone.
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We are developing the other parts, and we can’t give quite all our attention to the upper part, but soon the lower parts will be developed, and the upper part and the lower part will become partners, that will be wonderful.
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All the children in the school should learn the steps of everything, before they learn the thing, then they know which step they’re doing better, because your voice is in certain steps and has to do most of the things that have been composed in those steps.
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And then you have the classical ballerinas, they’re like sopranos. Applied to the dance.
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No no, we ALL teach each other, whether it’s dancing, whether it’s singing, whether it’s talking, we all listen to each other. That’s progress.
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Also, if you have an accident, you can’t start to dance again at the top, you’re too weak; you start with the easy things – the way you did them when you were young, and come up up up, the way you did then.
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There would never have been a British Ballet without Diaghilev. He had a wonderful influence.
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