biography
| name: |
Helpmann, Sir Robert (Murray)
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1909–86)
|
| biography:
| Dancer, actor, and choreographer, born in Mount Gambier, South Australia, Australia. He made his debut in Adelaide in 1923, studied with Pavlova's touring company in 1929, and in 1931 moved to Britain to study under Ninette de Valois. He was first dancer of the newly founded Sadler's Wells Ballet (1933–50) and its principal choreographer (1943–50), and became known for his dramatic roles in de Valois' works. His ballets include Hamlet (1942) and Miracle in the Gorbals (1944), he also appeared in many films, choreographing and starring in the legendary The Red Shoes (1948). Joint artistic director of the Australian Ballet Company in 1965, he was knighted in 1968. |
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