The Irish woman behind the British National Ballet
Updated / Thursday, 11 Mar 2021
11:31
Edris Stannus, AKA Dame Ninette de Valois
On March 8th, 2011, the legendary ballet dancer, director and teacher, Ninette de Valois, passed away at her home in London aged 102.
It is fitting that the anniversary of her death should fall on International Women s Day, which celebrates women’s accomplishments, because de Valois achieved so much during her life.
In Britain, she was made a Dame and a Companion of Honour. She was also awarded an Order of Merit, which is the country’s highest honour.
On top of this, she received an Irish Community Award, a Turkish Honour of Merit, the Dutch Erasmus Prize, the French Legion of Honour and countless honorary doctorates for her contributions to culture.