“Founder of the Royal Ballet lived here.” This simple inscription on the Ninette de Valois Blue plaque tells a remarkable story. It marks the London residence of a woman who shaped British ballet. Dame Ninette de Valois a true visionary lived at 14 The Terrace, Barnes from 1962 to 1982.
The Ninette de Valois Blue plaque commemorates an extraordinary life. Born Edris Stannus in Ireland in 1898, she became a dancer, choreographer and director. She is best known as the founder of the Royal Ballet.
Ninette de Valois began ballet lessons at ten. She professionally trained at thirteen. That is when she changed her name to Ninette de Valois. Her debut came as a principal dancer in pantomime. This was at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End.
In 1923 Ninette de Valois joined the Ballets Russes. Sergei Diaghilev founded this renowned company. She stayed for three years. She rose to Soloist. She created roles in famous ballets such as Les biches. Ninette de Valois later said she learned everything about running a ballet company from Diaghilev.
After leaving the Ballets Russes in 1927, Ninette de Valois started her own schools. She established the Academy of Choreographic Art in London. Also, she opened the Abbey Theatre School of Ballet in Dublin. Her London goal was to create a British ballet style. Students gained experience at the Old Vic Theatre.
Lilian Baylis owned the Old Vic. In 1928 she acquired Sadler’s Wells Theatre. She wanted a sister theater to the Old Vic. She hired Ninette de Valois to stage dance productions. In 1931 Ninette de Valois moved her school to Sadler’s Wells. It became the Sadler’s Wells Ballet School. The Vic-Wells Ballet company was also formed. These became the Royal Ballet companies and school.
From 1927 to 1933 Ninette de Valois directed the Abbey Theatre School of Ballet. WB Yeats requested it. She produced several ballets each year. She commissioned music from Irish composers.
Ninette de Valois married Dr Arthur Blackall Connell in 1935. He was an English surgeon. The union was childless. She had two stepsons.
In 1964 she was surprised on “This Is Your Life”. Eamonn Andrews presented it at Frederick Ashton’s home. Ninette de Valois continued public appearances until her death at 102.
The Ninette de Valois Blue plaque here marks where she lived while shaping ballet history. It reminds us of her vision and dedication. She created a uniquely British ballet tradition. The Royal Ballet continues her legacy today. Ninette de Valois’s impact is still felt throughout the dance world.