Birmingham Royal Ballet’s David Bintley remembers Frederick Ashton and others who have shaped and guided his career.
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David Bintley rehearses Cinderella
Photo: Ty Singleton
Together, Ninette de Valois and Frederick Ashton were the great architects of the Royal Ballet. Not only did they embody the entire history of the company, and its beginnings at Sadler’s Wells, but they went even further back. Continuity is vital to an art form which is passed down through the generations, and I was very fortunate to be part of that last generation that actually worked with and knew them.
I’m a big ballet history fan, so to hear stories first-hand from these great figures who saw Pavlova dance and were choreographed on by Nijinska was wonderful. I was especially lucky because for some reason I also enjoyed their favour and mentorship.
