Helpmann, Sir Robert

Helpmann, Sir Robert, 1909–1986, Australian dancer and choreographer. He danced as a principal (1933–50) with Sadler's Wells Ballet (now the Royal Ballet), often partnering with Margot Fonteyn. His works as a choreographer include Comus (1942) and Miracle in the Gorbals (1944), as well as the ballet film The Red Shoes (1948). He was director of the Australian Ballet from 1965 to 1976 (co-director, 1965–74) and also acted on stage and in films. He was knighted in 1968.

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