Date of Birth: May 18, 1919
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: February 21, 1991
Biography
Margot Fonteyn, born Margaret Evelyn Hookham, was one of the most celebrated ballerinas of the 20th century. Born in Reigate, Surrey, England, she began her ballet training at a young age and joined the Vic-Wells Ballet School, which later became The Royal Ballet. Fonteyn quickly rose to prominence, becoming the company’s prima ballerina by the age of 20. Her partnership with Rudolf Nureyev, which began in 1962, became legendary in the ballet world. Their chemistry on stage was unparalleled, and they performed together in numerous acclaimed productions. Fonteyn’s career spanned over four decades, during which she became synonymous with roles in ballets such as “Swan Lake,” “Giselle,” and “The Sleeping Beauty.” In her personal life, Fonteyn was married to Panamanian diplomat Roberto “Tito” Arias. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges, she remained dedicated to her craft until her retirement in 1979. Fonteyn received numerous accolades throughout her career, including a damehood in 1956. She passed away in Panama City, Panama, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of dance.
5 Interesting Facts about Margot Fonteyn
1. Margot Fonteyn’s real name was Margaret Evelyn Hookham.
2. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1956.
3. Fonteyn nearly retired in 1959, but her partnership with Rudolf Nureyev revitalized her career.
4. She performed with The Royal Ballet for over 40 years.
5. Fonteyn’s autobiography, “Margot Fonteyn: Autobiography,” was published in 1975 and became a bestseller.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Margot Fonteyn
1. “Great artists are people who find the way to be themselves in their art.”
2. “The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one’s work seriously and taking oneself seriously.”
3. “Life offstage has sometimes been a wilderness of unpredictables in an unchoreographed world.”
4. “The first thing that strikes you about ballet is that it is a purely visual art, uncluttered by language, literature, or any other medium.”
5. “You can’t go back and make a new start, but you can start right now and make a brand new ending.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Margot Fonteyn’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million USD.
Children
Margot Fonteyn did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Margot Fonteyn – The Royal Ballet](https://www.roh.org.uk
2. [Margot Fonteyn – Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Margot-Fonteyn
3. [Margot Fonteyn – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0284963/