Beryl Grey

Dame Beryl Grey joined Sadler's Wells Ballet in 1941 and subsequently became prima ballerina of the Royal Ballet. Leaving in 1957 to become a freelance dancer, she was the first Western ballerina to dance in Russia with the Bolshoi in 1957, and in China with Peking Ballet in 1964. Later she became Artistic Director of Festival (English National) Ballet from 1968 until 1979. On leaving English National Ballet, Dame Beryl remained intimately connected with the dance world, including service with...See more

Dame Beryl Grey joined Sadler's Wells Ballet in 1941 and subsequently became prima ballerina of the Royal Ballet. Leaving in 1957 to become a freelance dancer, she was the first Western ballerina to dance in Russia with the Bolshoi in 1957, and in China with Peking Ballet in 1964. Later she became Artistic Director of Festival (English National) Ballet from 1968 until 1979. On leaving English National Ballet, Dame Beryl remained intimately connected with the dance world, including service with the Royal Academy of Dance, Dance Council of Wales and Governor of the Royal Ballet. She was appointed a Dame Commander in 1988. See less