Rowena Jackson facts for kids
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Rowena Othlie Jackson MBE (born 24 March 1926 – died 15 August 2024) was a famous New Zealand prima ballerina. A prima ballerina is a very talented and important female ballet dancer. She was also known by her married name, Chatfield.
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Rowena Jackson's Early Life
Rowena Jackson was born in Invercargill, New Zealand, on 24 March 1926. From a young age, she loved ballet. She had ballet teachers like Stan Lawson and Rosetta Powell in Dunedin.
Where Rowena Went to School
Rowena went to primary schools in different cities. These included Waihopai School in Invercargill, Musselburgh School in Dunedin, and Maungawhau School in Auckland. Later, she attended Epsom Girls' Grammar School.
Starting Her Ballet Journey
In 1939, people held a special concert to help Rowena. They wanted to raise money for her to study ballet in Paris. However, because of World War II, she and her mother went to Australia instead. They visited Melbourne and Sydney. In 1941, Rowena won the first scholarship ever given by the Royal Academy of Dance in New Zealand. This was a big achievement!
Rowena Jackson's Amazing Ballet Career
In 1946, Rowena Jackson joined the famous Sadler's Wells Ballet company in London. She quickly became known for her amazing dancing.
Famous Roles and Partners
Rowena was especially famous for her role as Swanhilda in the ballet Coppélia. She danced with other well-known dancers, including Robert Helpmann. She also danced often with her husband, Philip Chatfield.
By February 1954, Rowena had earned a very high title. She was promoted to prima ballerina at Sadler's Wells Ballet. This meant she was one of the top dancers in the company.
Her Special Talent for Turns
Rowena was known for her incredible ability to do fast and brilliant turns. Even before she left New Zealand in 1940, she set a world record. She performed 121 fouettés sur place in a row. A fouetté is a type of turn where a dancer whips their leg around.
Life After the Royal Ballet
Rowena and Philip Chatfield danced together in Giselle shortly after they got married. They both retired from the Royal Ballet in 1959. After retiring, they moved back to New Zealand. Rowena became the artistic director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet company. Both she and Philip also worked as directors at the New Zealand Ballet School.
Who Inspired Rowena?
Rowena said that dancers like Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell influenced her. However, it was a visit from the Russian ballerina Irina Baronova that truly inspired her. Irina made Rowena decide that ballet would be her life's dream.
Rowena Jackson's Personal Life
On 4 February 1958, Rowena Jackson married Philip Chatfield. Philip was also a talented British dancer.
Her Family Life
Rowena and Philip had two children. Their son, Paul, was born in 1960. Their daughter, Rosetta, was born in 1961. In 1991, the family was living in Te Atatū Peninsula in New Zealand.
Later Years
After they retired, Rowena and Philip moved to the Gold Coast, Queensland in Australia in 1993. Philip passed away in Brisbane in July 2021. Rowena Jackson lived to be 98 years old and passed away on 15 August 2024.
Honours and Awards for Rowena Jackson
Rowena Jackson received a special honour in 1961. In the 1961 New Year Honours, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was given to her for her great contributions to ballet. She was the first dancer ever to receive this honour in New Zealand.
