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Birth
Born as Margret Evelyn Hookham on May 18th, 1919 in Reigate, Surrey. Her mother was half Irish and half Brazilian while her father was a British engineer. -
First Ballet Experience
At four years old, Margot's mother signed her up for a ballet class. -
Studying Ballet
At the mere age of 8, Margot's family moved to China where she studied ballet with the Russian teacher George Goncharov. -
Moving Back
When Margot was 14, her mother took her back to London to pursue an actual career in Ballet. This is where her stage name "Margot Fonteyn" was created. -
Joining a School
During this year, Margot joined the Vic-Wells ballet school where she trained under Ninette de Valois and such teachers as Olga Preobrajenska and Mathilde Kschessinska. -
Rising in the School's Ranks
By this year, Margot had performed pivotal roles in Giselle, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty and was also appointed Prima Ballerina, which is the chief ballerina in the entire company. -
The Sleeping Beauty
Her performace in this as Aurora is still considered the definitive Aurora of the era. -
Tour of the United States
When her company toured the United States, Margot was heavily exposed and almost instantly became a celebrity for her work. -
Wedding
Margot got married to Roberto de Arias. He was a diplomat from Panama. -
DBE Award
During this year, Margot obtained a DBE award which dubbed her has the Dame of the British Empire. -
Retired? I Think Not!
During this year, Margot's career seemed to be coming to an end. She and Rudolf Nureyev began to partner and is still considered one of the best partnerships in ballet history. One of their most famous works included Romeo and Juliet. Their diverse backgrounds and allowed the partnership to take off. -
Last Performance
Margot Fonteyn's last performance took place in London's Royal Opera House at 60 years old. After this, she settled in Panama with her husband. -
Prima Ballerina Assoluta
Margot was appointed Prima Ballerina Assoluta by Queen Elizabeth II for her outstanding Ballerina work throughout the years. -
Death
Margot Fonteyn died on February 21st, 1991 from cancer. She and her husband are buried in the family plot in Panama.
