Sadler's Wells Ballet 1944-51
Sadler’s Wells Ballet 1944-51
Gillian joined the Sadler’s Wells Ballet in 1944 and the Company at that time gave performancces in the New Theatre as Sadler’s Wells had closed at the beginning of the Blitz in 1940. However, having to share the theatre meant limited performance time so the Ballet would also tour the UK and abroad. Records show that during 1942-45 over 200 performances each year were carried out, a much greater number than ballet companies would carry out today.
During the latter stages of the war, often as many as 100 flying bombs - doodlebugs - would hit London each day and the dancers would hear the sounds above during performances , occasionally pausing briefly fearing a direct hit before continuing their evening’s ballet.
In 1946, the company was asked to make the Royal Opera House their home, eventually leading to a Royal Charter in 1956 and the title ‘The Royal Ballet’
While at Covent Garden, Gillie danced over 200 separate performances across 35 different ballets, with further performances from various tours. Famously, Sadler’s Wells Ballet re-opened the Opera House with a Gala Performance on 20 February 1946 performing The Sleeping Beauty in front of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by the Royal Princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret. Margot Fonteyn led the evening in the role of Princess Aurora with Gillie playing The Fairy of the Enchanted Garden.
Pictured here is part of the Programme from that Gala Performance in 1946, another programme from 1948 where she performs as Myrtha, Queens of the Wilis with Alicia Markova as Giselle, and one from 1950 where she performs with Alexis Rassine in Miracle in the Gorbals with Julia Farron, Pauline Clayden and Robert Helpmann - click to view larger images.
King George V1 and Queen Elizabeth, with Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret watching The Sleeping Beauty at Covent Garden on 20 February, 1946
