Profession: Choreographer
Biography: Frederick Ashton had a long distinguished career as a choreographer for ballet, principally in England.
Ashton began his career in ballet as a dancer but soon began choreographing for Marie Rambert in the 1930s. Later he became the choreographer for Ninette de Valois, founder of the Vic-Wells Ballet, later the Royal Ballet. Some of his most famous works for the company include "Symphonic Variations" (1946), "Cinderella" (1948) and "La fille mal gardée" (1960).
After de Valois's retirement Ashton became the director of the Royal Ballet until his own retirement in 1970. After retirement Ashton choreographed for a number of films including "The Tales of Beatrix Potter" (1970)
Born: September 17, 1904
Birthplace: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Virgo
Historical Events
- 1946-04-24 One-act ballet "Symphonic Variations" choreographed by Frederick Ashton with music by César Franck danced by Sandler's Wells Ballet debuts at Covent Garden, London
- 1948-12-23 "Cinderella" the first full-length ballet by Frederick Ashton with music by Sergei Prokofiev is first presented by Sadler's Wells Ballet at Covent Garden, London
- 1960-01-28 New version of "La fille mal gardée" (1789) choreographed by Frederick Ashton debuts with the Royal Ballet with Nadia Nerina debuts at Covent Garden, London
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