Ballet Rambert, 1947-1949

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Founded in 1930 by Marie Rambert. The understated style of the company owes its heritage to many influential dancers such as I.Duncan, Jacques-Dalcroze, Diaghilev and Nijinsky. The small company of thirty dancers arrived in Australia, October 1947 in association with the British Council as the first major overseas ballet company to visit Australia after World War II. Their impact on ballet here was significant, recruiting Australians for their tour as well as taking some of them to England. Australians who had important careers included Cecil Bates, Charles Boyd, Ann Somers (or Kathleen Gorman), David Hunt. Several of the English dancers remained in Australia such as Margaret Scott, Rex Reid and Joyce Graeme whose influences were significant. The company's repertoire included contemporary works by English choreographers such as Frederick Ashton and Antony Tudor. Their tour was extended from six to fifteen months with two seasons in Australia and one in New Zealand. In that time they gave over 500 performances of 33 ballets, introduced 26 new English creations as well as reviving several classics. Link to catalogue record.Link to finding aid.

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