Helpmann, Sir Robert
Helpmann, Sir Robert,
1909–1986, Australian dancer and choreographer. He danced as a principal (1933–50) with Sadler's Wells Ballet (now the Royal BalletRoyal Ballet,the principal British ballet company, based at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. It is noted for lavish dramatic productions, a superbly disciplined corps de ballet, and brilliant performances from its principals.
..... Click the link for more information. ), often partnering with Margot FonteynFonteyn, Dame Margot
, 1919–91, English ballerina. Fonteyn was for many years prima ballerina assoluta of the Royal Ballet. Her original name was Margaret Hookham.
..... Click the link for more information. . His works as a choreographer include Comus (1942) and Miracle in the Gorbals (1944), as well as the ballet film The Red Shoes (1948). He was director of the Australian BalletAustralian Ballet,
national ballet company of Australia, founded in Melbourne in 1962; its school was established in 1964. The company drew on the tradition established (1940) by Edouard Borovansky of the Ballets Russes (see Diaghilev, Sergei Pavlovich).
..... Click the link for more information. from 1965 to 1976 (co-director, 1965–74) and also acted on stage and in films. He was knighted in 1968.