David Wall (dancer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Wall
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Jeté, a sculpture by Enzo Plazzotta based on David Wall
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| Born | 15 March 1946 Chiswick, London, England
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| Died | 18 June 2013 (aged 67) Croydon, London, England
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| Occupation | Ballet dancer |
David Wall was a very talented English ballet dancer. He was born on March 15, 1946, and passed away on June 18, 2013. He became famous for his amazing dancing with The Royal Ballet. He achieved a special rank called principal when he was only 21 years old. At that time, he was the youngest dancer ever to reach this level in the company's history.
Early Life and Dance Training
David Wall was born in a part of London called Chiswick. When he was young, he went to Halliford School. At this school, everyone had to take ballroom dancing classes. His mother noticed he became interested in ballet. This happened when he watched the girls' ballet classes that took place after his own ballroom lessons.
After that, David started taking weekly ballet classes. He studied at the famous Royal Ballet School. This school helps young dancers become professionals. After finishing his training, he joined The Royal Ballet company.
A Star Dancer
David Wall was only 20 years old when he became a soloist dancer. Just one year later, he made history. At 21, he became the youngest male principal in The Royal Ballet. This record stood for many years. He stayed with the company until 1984.
He performed in many important ballets. Some of his famous roles included:
- Crown Prince Rudolf in Mayerling
- The Young Man in The Two Pigeons
- The Rake in The Rake's Progress
- Colas in La fille mal gardée
- Siegfried in Swan Lake
David Wall often danced with Dame Margot Fonteyn. She was one of the greatest ballerinas of all time. In 1977, he won a special award. It was the Evening Standard Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance.
After His Performing Career
David Wall retired from dancing with The Royal Ballet in 1984. The next year, he received a high honor. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award recognizes his great contributions.
In 1985, David joined the Royal Academy of Dancing. He worked there as a director and general secretary. He stayed in this role until 1991. Later, he worked with other ballet companies. He became a guest repetiteur for London City Ballet. Then, in 1995, he joined English National Ballet. There, he worked as a ballet master. This means he helped train and guide the dancers.
A special sculpture was made in his honor. It is called Jeté. The artist, Enzo Plazzotta, created it in 1975. The sculpture is based on David Wall's famous dance moves. You can see it in London, on the corner of Millbank in Westminster.
Personal Life
David Wall married Alfreda Thorogood in 1967. She was also a dancer. They first met when David was ten years old. Both of them were students at the Royal Ballet School. They had two children together, a son named Daniel and a daughter named Annelise.
David Wall passed away at his home in Croydon, London, on June 18, 2013.
