Famous British Choreographers

Dame Darcey Bussell is a retired English ballerina known for her illustrious career with The Royal Ballet, where she became the youngest-ever principal dancer at the age of 20. Trained at the Arts Educational School and the Royal Ballet School, she also performed as a guest artist with prestigious companies such as the New York City Ballet, La Scala Theatre Ballet, and the Kirov Ballet. Bussell's professional journey spanned over two decades, culminating in her retirement from ballet in 2007.

Margot Fonteyn was an English ballerina who spent her entire career with the Royal Ballet. Appointed prima ballerina assoluta by Queen Elizabeth II, she performed in numerous ballets choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton and other renowned artists. Fonteyn gained international acclaim through tours, televised broadcasts, and collaborations with Rudolf Nureyev, creating a sensation in classical performances. Despite challenges, she continued to dance until semi-retirement, eventually being honored as prima ballerina assoluta by the Royal Ballet before retiring to Panama.

Emma Slater is a renowned professional dancer and choreographer from both the United Kingdom and the United States. She has gained widespread recognition for her exceptional talent and skills showcased on the popular television show Dancing with the Stars. With a successful career in the world of dance, Emma has captivated audiences with her performances and choreography, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the industry. Her dedication and passion for dance have earned her a strong reputation among fans and peers alike.

Kevin Clifton is an accomplished English professional dancer and actor known for his work on the BBC TV series Strictly Come Dancing. He began as an assistant choreographer before becoming a professional dancer on the show. Clifton has also appeared on Burn the Floor and gained the nickname "Kevin from Grimsby" from Bruce Forsyth. Winning the sixteenth series of Strictly with partner Stacey Dooley, he showcased his talent from 2013 to 2019, excluding 2017 and 2019 finals. In 2020, Clifton decided to leave Strictly to explore other career opportunities.

Ashley Banjo is a renowned English dancer, choreographer, and television personality. He gained fame as the leader of the street dance group Diversity, which emerged victorious in the third series of Britain's Got Talent in 2009. Banjo has showcased his expertise as a judge on various dance competition shows such as Got to Dance, Dance Dance Dance, and Dancing on Ice. Additionally, he has served as a co-presenter on the BBC game show Can't Touch This. Throughout his career, Banjo has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry through his talent and charisma.

Frederick Ashton was a prominent British ballet dancer and choreographer, known for his innovative contributions to the world of dance. He began his career as a dancer but soon found acclaim as a choreographer, creating a distinctive English style of ballet. Ashton served as chief choreographer and later director of the Royal Ballet, leaving a lasting impact on the company's repertoire. His notable works include Façade, Symphonic Variations, Cinderella, La fille mal gardée, Monotones I and II, Enigma Variations, and The Tales of Beatrix Potter.

Dame Ninette de Valois was a prominent figure in the world of ballet, known for her contributions as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director. She danced with the Ballets Russes before founding the Royal Ballet, a renowned ballet company of the 20th century. Her legacy includes establishing the Royal Ballet School and Birmingham Royal Ballet. Valois is celebrated for her significant influence on ballet history, earning her the title of the "godmother" of English and Irish ballet.

Dame Arlene Phillips DBE is an accomplished English choreographer, talent scout, television judge, presenter, theatre director, and former dancer. She gained recognition for choreographing various West End and Broadway musicals, films, and television productions. Transitioning to television, she became a renowned judge on popular talent shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance. Her expertise in dance and entertainment has solidified her status as a prominent figure in the industry, with a diverse and successful career spanning multiple fields.

Wayne Sleep is a well-known British dancer, director, choreographer, and actor with a successful career in the entertainment industry. He gained recognition for his appearances on popular television shows such as The Real Marigold on Tour and The Real Full Monty. Sleep has showcased his talent and skills through various performances, earning praise for his choreography and stage presence. With a diverse background in dance and theater, Sleep has established himself as a versatile and accomplished professional in the performing arts world.

Kenneth MacMillan was a British ballet dancer and choreographer known for his work with the Royal Ballet in London, where he served as artistic director and principal choreographer. He also held positions with the Deutsche Oper in Berlin, American Ballet Theatre, and Houston Ballet. MacMillan began his career as a dancer before transitioning to choreography due to stage fright. He created numerous ballets and one-act pieces, working across various genres including television, musicals, drama, and opera.

Lindsay Kemp was a versatile British artist known for his work as a dancer, actor, teacher, mime artist, and choreographer. He gained recognition for his 1974 production of Flowers, a mime and music show based on Jean Genet's novel. Despite facing criticism for its themes, the show was celebrated for its theatrical and sensory impact during global tours. Kemp also left a significant mark as a mentor to iconic figures like David Bowie and Kate Bush, influencing the world of performance and art.

Wayne McGregor is a highly acclaimed British choreographer and director known for his innovative and boundary-pushing work in the world of dance. As the Artistic Director of Studio Wayne McGregor and Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet, he has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the art form. McGregor's unique and dynamic choreographic style has captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a reputation as one of the most influential figures in contemporary dance. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, McGregor was honored with the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2011.

Christopher Wheeldon is an accomplished English choreographer renowned for his innovative work in contemporary ballet. He has made significant contributions to the dance world, creating numerous acclaimed ballets for leading companies around the globe. Wheeldon's choreographic style is known for its fusion of classical technique with modern sensibilities, earning him international recognition and prestigious awards. With a career spanning decades, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the dance community, continually pushing boundaries and inspiring audiences with his artistic vision.

Akram Hossain Khan, MBE, is an influential English dancer and choreographer of Bangladeshi heritage. His professional journey is distinguished by a fusion of classical kathak training and contemporary dance styles. With a remarkable career spanning several decades, Khan has garnered international acclaim for his innovative choreography and compelling performances. He has collaborated with renowned artists and companies worldwide, pushing boundaries and redefining the art of dance. Khan's work is characterized by a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making him a prominent figure in the global dance scene.

Craig Revel Horwood is a versatile Australian-British professional known for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He is an accomplished author, dancer, choreographer, conductor, and theatre director, with a background as a former drag queen. Horwood serves as a judge on the popular BBC dancing series Strictly Come Dancing, showcasing his expertise in ballroom and Latin routines. Additionally, he is a patron of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, demonstrating his commitment to supporting charitable causes alongside his successful career in the performing arts.

Anton Dolin was a prominent figure in the world of ballet as an English dancer and choreographer. He gained recognition for his exceptional skill and artistry on the stage, captivating audiences with his performances. Dolin's career was marked by numerous successful collaborations with renowned ballet companies and choreographers, where he showcased his versatility and creativity. His contributions to the art of ballet were widely acclaimed, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in the dance world.

Christopher Gable, CBE, was a prominent figure in the world of ballet, known for his exceptional talent as a dancer, choreographer, and actor. He made significant contributions to the art form through his innovative choreography and captivating performances. Gable's professional career was marked by numerous successful collaborations with renowned dance companies and theaters, showcasing his versatility and creativity. His work left a lasting impact on the dance world, earning him acclaim and recognition for his artistic achievements.

Flavia Cacace-Mistry is a renowned Italian British professional dancer best known for her partnership with Vincent Simone, collectively known as 'Vincent and Flavia'. They gained widespread recognition for their performances on the popular TV show Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 to 2012. Flavia's exceptional talent, precision, and grace on the dance floor have captivated audiences worldwide. Her dedication to her craft and seamless partnership with Vincent have solidified her reputation as one of the most accomplished and versatile dancers in the industry.

Matthew Bourne is a renowned British choreographer known for his innovative and unique dance adaptations of popular novels and films. His productions are characterized by classic cinema and popular culture references, drawing inspiration from musicals, film noir, and popular culture. Bourne's work often features workshops, collaborations, and dialogues with original works, resulting in distinct and original choreography routines and thematic concepts. Through his New Adventures dance company, Bourne explores ballet, contemporary dance, dance theatre, and musical theatre, adding new dimensions to well-known stories like Swan Lake, Cinderella, and Romeo and Juliet. In 2016, he was knighted for his significant contributions to the field of dance.

Antony Tudor was an esteemed English ballet choreographer, teacher, and dancer known for his significant contributions to the world of dance. He founded both the London Ballet and the Philadelphia Ballet Guild, showcasing his talent and leadership in the mid-1950s. Tudor's innovative choreography and dedication to teaching left a lasting impact on the ballet world, earning him a reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. His work continues to inspire and influence dancers and choreographers worldwide.

Michael Somes was an esteemed English ballet dancer renowned for his exceptional talent and versatility. Serving as a principal dancer of The Royal Ballet in London, he captivated audiences with his remarkable performances. He gained widespread acclaim for his frequent collaborations with the legendary ballerina Margot Fonteyn, showcasing a dynamic and captivating partnership on stage. Somes' professional legacy is characterized by his precision, grace, and artistry, solidifying his reputation as one of the most distinguished ballet dancers of his time.

Edna Morton Deane was a renowned English professional ballroom dancer, author, and choreographer. She achieved great success by winning both British and world ballroom dancing championships. Co-founding the Deane School of Dance and Drama, she left a lasting impact on the dance world. Her reputation was further solidified by being asked to dance with the future Edward VIII numerous times, leading to the inspiration behind the popular song "I've danced with a man, who's danced with a girl, who's danced with the Prince of Wales."

Frederic Franklin, also known as "Freddie," was a distinguished British-American ballet dancer, choreographer, and director. Throughout his illustrious career, he made significant contributions to the world of dance, showcasing his exceptional talent and creativity. With a remarkable skill set and a passion for the art form, Franklin earned a reputation for his innovative choreography and captivating performances on stage. His dedication and commitment to the art of ballet left a lasting impact on the dance community, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in the industry.

Dame Margaret van Praagh, also known as Peggy van Praagh, was a versatile and accomplished figure in the world of ballet. Her professional life was characterized by her expertise as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, repetiteur, producer, advocate, and director. She made significant contributions to the field of ballet, particularly in Australia where she spent a substantial portion of her later career. Van Praagh's work left a lasting impact on the ballet community, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering and influential figure in the art form.

John Weaver was a prominent figure in English dance history, known for his roles as a dancer, choreographer, producer, and dancing master. He is recognized as a pioneer in the development of English pantomime and ballet. Weaver's legacy includes his groundbreaking work "The Loves of Mars and Venus," often credited as the first modern ballet, which elevated dance to an art form. Through his innovative creations and contributions to the dance world, Weaver played a crucial role in shaping the future of English dance.

Margaret Morris was a renowned British dancer, choreographer, artist, and teacher. She made significant contributions to the world of dance by founding the Margaret Morris Movement, Celtic Ballet, and two Scottish National Ballets. Morris also created a system of movement notation, which was groundbreaking for its time and published in 1928. Her innovative approach to dance and choreography left a lasting impact on the field, solidifying her reputation as a pioneer in the world of movement and ballet.

Stanley Holden was a British American ballet dancer and choreographer known for his remarkable performances of character roles, notably as "Widow Simone" in Frederick Ashton's La fille mal gardée. He joined the Royal Ballet in 1944 and garnered acclaim for his expressive and versatile dancing. After retiring from performing in 1969, Holden transitioned to teaching and performing in California. His contributions to the world of ballet left a lasting impact on the art form, inspiring and influencing many dancers and choreographers.

Norman Morrice was a prominent figure in the British dance scene, known for his contributions as a dancer, choreographer, and artistic director. He held key leadership roles at Ballet Rambert and the Royal Ballet, showcasing his talent for shaping the artistic direction of major ballet companies. Morrice's tenure at Ballet Rambert from 1966 to 1974 and later at the Royal Ballet from 1977 to 1986 solidified his reputation as a respected and influential figure in the world of dance.

Tamsier Joof Aviance, also known as Tamsier Aviance or Tam Jo, is a multi-talented British professional with a diverse career. He is a dancer, choreographer, actor, model, entrepreneur, radio presenter, and author. Aviance gained recognition after joining the renowned House of Aviance in the US. He has showcased his talents in various musicals and worked as a backing dancer for artists such as Mary Kiani, Take That, and Janet Jackson. Aviance is a respected figure in the London voguing scene, being one of the original vogue dancers from the 1990s era.

Ram Gopal was an Indian dancer and choreographer known for his innovative blend of classical Indian dance with balletic choreography. He toured extensively as a soloist, introducing Indian classical dance to the West in the 1930s alongside Uday Shankar. Gopal was acclaimed as a modernist in dance, often compared to legendary dancer Nijinsky. His most famous productions include Legend of the Taj Mahal, Dance of the Setting Sun, and Dances of India. He collaborated with ballerina Dame Alicia Markova on the production "Radha-Krishna" in 1960.

Rina Lipa, an English model, dancer, and emerging actor, has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. With a background in ballet and contemporary dance, Lipa's passion for acting led her to pursue a degree in the field. She has been featured in numerous commercials and campaigns across the UK and received recognition for her work, including the prestigious 'Jack Petchey Award.' Lipa's collaboration with a fashion house and her social media presence with over 700 thousand followers further solidify her status as a prominent figure in the fashion and entertainment world. Additionally, Lipa's role as a teacher and choreographer showcases her versatility and dedication to the arts.