Michael Somes facts for kids
Michael George Somes (born September 28, 1917 – died November 18, 1994) was a famous English ballet dancer. He was a top dancer, called a principal dancer, at The Royal Ballet in London. He often danced with the legendary ballerina Margot Fonteyn.
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Early Life and Training
Michael Somes was born in Horsley, England. His father, Edwin Joseph Somes, was a professional musician. His mother, Ethel M. M. Pridham, was a schoolteacher.
In 1934, Michael received a special scholarship. This was the first scholarship ever given to a male dancer by the Royal Ballet. At that time, the company was known as the Vic-Wells Ballet.
A Brilliant Ballet Career
Michael Somes became a very important dancer. In 1938, he and Margot Fonteyn created the main roles in a ballet called Horoscope. After this, people said he was "potentially the finest British male dancer of the half century." This means they thought he could be the best British male dancer for 50 years!
He helped create roles in 24 different ballets. These ballets were choreographed by Frederick Ashton for the Royal Ballet. Michael was the main male dancer for the company from 1951. This was until another famous dancer, Rudolf Nureyev, joined in 1962.
After 1962, Somes took on different kinds of roles. He was especially known for playing Lord Capulet in the ballet Romeo and Juliet. From 1963 to 1970, he also worked as an assistant director for the Royal Ballet.
On Screen and Awards
Michael Somes appeared on television and in films. In 1954, he was on The Ed Sullivan Show. He also starred in TV versions of famous ballets. These included Swan Lake (1954), The Sleeping Beauty (1955), and The Nutcracker (1958). He also appeared in a film version of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet in 1966. In all these productions, he danced with Margot Fonteyn.
In 1959, Michael Somes was given a special honor. He was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award recognizes his great contributions to ballet.
Personal Life
Michael Somes married three times. In 1954, he married Deirdre Annette Dixon. She was also a ballet dancer with the Royal Ballet. Sadly, Deirdre passed away in 1959 at a young age.
Later, in 1964, he married another famous ballet dancer, Dame Antoinette Sibley. They divorced in 1973. He then married ballet dancer Wendy Ellis.
Michael Somes passed away in London in 1994.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Somes para niños
