English ballet dancer. She made her debut with the Vic-Wells Ballet in
Nutcracker (1934) and first appeared as Giselle in 1937, eventually becoming prima ballerina of the Royal Ballet, London. Renowned for her perfect physique, clear line, musicality, and interpretive powers, she created many roles in Frederick
Ashton's ballets and formed a legendary partnership with Rudolf
Nureyev. She retired from dancing in 1979.
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