Bedells, Phyllis, 1893-1985

British ballerina born in Bristol on 9th August 1893 (died 2nd May 1985).

Bedells began her career at the Empire Theatre in 1907 supporting Adeline Genee and Lydia Kyasht. She became 'Prima Ballerina' at the Empire in 1913, the first British dancer to hold this position.

In 1920 she became a founding member of the Association of Operatic Dancing of Great Britain (later the RAD) and was also one of the original committee members of The Camargo Society in 1930.

Bedells continued performing until 1935 and teaching until 1966. Her autobiography - My Dancing Days - was published in 1954. She was actively involved with the RAD all her life receiving the QEII Award in 1958 and the Fellowship in 1971. In 1979 the RAD initiated the Phyllis Bedells Bursary award in honour of her services to the Academy over the years.