Icons of Grace, Strength, and Change
March is here, bringing a perfect moment to celebrate the incredible women who have shaped ballet into what it is today. Ballet has always been about growth and evolution, and behind every leap forward are dancers who dared to push boundaries. From Françoise Prévost’s expressive storytelling to Misty Copeland’s history-making achievements, these artists have left their mark, proving that ballet is for everyone.
So, whether you're just starting at the barre or dreaming of center stage, remember—you’re part of this beautiful journey, too. Keep dancing, keep dreaming, and keep inspiring! 💫🩰 Happy International Women’s Day!
Mademoiselle De Lafontaine (1655-1738): The First Female Ballet Star
Before female ballet dancers became the norm, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine made history as the first recognized female ballet dancer in France. Performing at the court of Louis XIV, she broke barriers and became an audience favourite, earning the title "Queen of Dance."
She was the first known professional female ballet dancer, and helped establish women in ballet at a time when male dancers dominated the stage, opening the way for future generations of female dancers.
Image from Britannica 
Françoise Prévost (1680-1741): A Pioneer of Dramatic Expression
Long before ballet took the form we know today, Françoise Prévost brought storytelling to life on stage. As a leading ballerina of the early 18th century, she was known for her emotive and dramatic performances, setting the stage for ballet’s evolution into a powerful storytelling art form.
She established dramatic dance as a key element in classical ballet, performed in Les Horaces (1708), an emotionally charged piece that moved audiences to tears and mentored two of ballet’s most influential dancers, Marie Camargo and Marie Sallé.
Marie Taglioni (1804-1888): The First En Pointe Ballerina
Ballet as we know it owes much to Marie Taglioni, the first ballerina credited with perfecting and popularizing dancing en pointe. She redefined what was possible for dancers, emphasizing ethereal movements that made her appear weightless on stage.
She revolutionized pointe work, making it an essential skill in ballet, brought fame to the romantic ballet era with her performance in La Sylphide (1832) and inspired new trends in fashion and hairstyling within the dance world.
Image from Britannica
Anna Pavlova (1881-1931): A Ballerina Who Took Ballet Global
Few names in ballet are as legendary as Anna Pavlova. Known for her iconic role in The Dying Swan, Pavlova was a dancer who believed ballet should be shared with the world. She formed her own company and brought ballet to audiences across the globe, making it more accessible than ever before.
She became the first ballerina to tour internationally, bringing ballet to new audiences, trained at the Imperial Ballet School and later starred in the Mariinsky Ballet and created The Dying Swan, a role that remains one of the most famous in ballet history.
Image from The Big Smoke
Ninette de Valois (1889-2001): Founder of The Royal Ballet
A visionary dancer and choreographer, Ninette de Valois was instrumental in establishing British ballet. She trained in England and performed with the Ballets Russes before founding what would become The Royal Ballet.
She founded the Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet School in London and hired choreographer Frederick Ashton, who shaped British ballet, playing a major role in promoting ballet education and professional training.
Margot Fonteyn (1919-1991): Ballet’s Prima Ballerina Assoluta
Fonteyn was one of the most celebrated ballerinas of the 20th century. With an unmatched stage presence and grace, she captivated audiences worldwide, performing well into her 60s.
She was named prima ballerina assoluta, a title given to only the most elite ballerinas and became a global ballet icon through her partnership with Rudolf Nureyev, helping popularize classical ballet through television and worldwide performances.
Image from Freed Of London
Maria Tallchief (1925-2013): America’s First Prima Ballerina
Born in Oklahoma as a member of the Osage Nation, Maria Tallchief shattered barriers and became America’s first major prima ballerina. She transformed The Nutcracker into a holiday staple and became a star at the New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine.
She elevated The Nutcracker into one of the most celebrated ballets of all time and became the first American ballerina to perform at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater. Later she founded the Chicago City Ballet and dedicated her post-dancing years to ballet education.
Misty Copeland (1982-Present): Breaking Barriers for Diversity in Ballet
Misty Copeland’s rise to prominence is a testament to perseverance and talent. In 2015, she made history as the first African American woman to be named a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. Copeland’s career is a beacon of hope and change, inspiring dancers from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams.
She became the first Black female principal dancer in ABT’s history and advocates for diversity and inclusivity in the dance community. She wrote multiple books, including Life in Motion, which shares her inspiring journey.
Image from Atlanta Ballet
Alicia Alonso (1920-2019): The Cuban Ballet Visionary
Alicia Alonso’s impact on Cuban ballet is undeniable. Despite vision loss at a young age, she became a renowned ballerina and founded the National Ballet of Cuba, shaping the country’s ballet identity.
She starred in Giselle, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty despite her vision impairment, founded the National Ballet of Cuba, showcasing Cuban dance to the world and played a major role in ballet education and cultural preservation in Cuba.
Image from The Times UK 
Honouring Ballet’s Heroines Year-Round
Women’s contributions to ballet extend far beyond the month of March. These pioneers challenged norms, introduced new styles, and expanded the reach of ballet worldwide. Their resilience, artistry, and passion have shaped the ballet world into what it is today. By celebrating their legacies, we acknowledge the hard work and dedication that has gone into making ballet an inclusive and evolving art form.
So, whether you’re a dancer, a fan, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of ballet, take a moment to honour these incredible women—not just this month, but every day. Their stories continue to inspire us all, proving that dance is truly a limitless art.