Ursula Moreton
Ursula Moreton (13 March 1903 - 24 June 1973) was a British ballerina and teacher, director of the Royal Ballet School from 1952 to 1968.
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Early life
She was born in Southsea on 13 March 1903.[1]
Career
Dancer
Moreton stuided with Cecchetti and debuted in 1920 in London in The Truth about the Russian Dancers, a play starring Tamara Karsavina. The next year, she was in Serge Diaghilev's staging of The Sleeping Princess and then danced with Léonide Massine's company.[1] She danced roles in the ballets of Ninette de Valois, Frederick Ashton and Fokine.[2]
Teacher
From 1926, she worked with Ninette de Valois as her assistant, then from 1931, ballet mistress for Vic-Wells Ballet. From 1946 to 1952, she was assistant director of Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet, and from 1952 to 1968, director of the Royal Ballet School.[1]
Created roles
All with Ninette de Valois:[2]
- Les Petits Riens (1928)
- Hommages aux Belle Viennoises (1929)
- Narcissus and Echo (1932)
Later life
She died in London on 24 June 1973.[1]
Legacy
The Ursula Moreton Choreographic Award was created in her honour.
