Dolin, Anton, 1904-1983

Anton Dolin (1904-1983) was an English ballet dancer, teacher and choreographer. He started his career with Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in 1921 and became one of the principal dancers for the company. Later, together with another Ballets Russes dancer Alicia Markova, he established Markova-Dolin Ballet. Dolin was instrumental in establishing London Festival Ballet (later English National Ballet). He also ocassionally appeared on stage as an actor.

Anton Dolin was an English ballet dancer and choreographer, who started his carrer with Ballets Russes and later became instrumental in creating English National Ballet.

English dancer and choreographer.

Anton Dolin (born Sydney Francis Patrick Chippendall Healy-Kaye 1904 - 1983) was the first great British-born danseur of the 20th century. Having performed as a child actor he trained with Grace and Lily Cone in Brighton and from 1917 as a dancer with Serafina Astafieva. He gained recognition dancing with serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in 1921 -1922; 1923 - 1925 and 1929.

Dolin was always concerned to take ballet to new audiences and consequently ready to dance in variety, revues, pantomime and on film with ballet companies. In the 1920s he established his own group working with Ninette de valois, Phyllis Bedells and Vera Nemchinova presenting ballets at the London Coliseum and subsequently played a significant role in the foundation of 20th century British ballet dancing with the Camargo Society (1930-1933) and the Vic-Wells Ballet where his partnership with Alicia Markova was consolidated. In 1935 the established the Markova-Dolin Ballet which toured extensively throughout Britain for two seasons (1935 - 1937). Dolin subsequently joined the de Basil Ballet Russe before working in the USA with the new Ballet Theatre (later American Ballet Theatre) and again running further Markova Dolin companies and concert groups.

In 1948 Markova and Dolin returned to Britain, initially to guest with Sadler's Wells Ballet at Covent Garden but also to present ballet in arenas and again tour in Britain. This led to the formation in 1950 of Festival Ballet later London's Festival Ballet, (now English National Ballet) where Dolin remained as Artistic Direcotr and premier danseur until 1961. He never stopped performing, taking on acting and mime roles. Dolin was a notable danseur noble, a popular partner who encouraged young ballerinas and formed notable stage partnerships with Markova, Nemchinova, and Irina Baronova. He encouraged boys to study ballet and produced important stagings of Giselle, as well as his own version of Pas de quatre and the companion showpiece for men Variations for Four . At the end of his life he received a knighthood for services to dance.

Anton Dolin (born Sydney Francis Patrick Chippendall Healy-Kaye 1904 - 1983) was the first great British-born danseur of the 20th century. Having performed as a child actor he trained with Grace and Lily Cone in Brighton and from 1917 as a dancer with Serafina Astafieva. He gained recognition dancing with Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in 1921 -1922; 1923 - 1925 and 1929.

Dolin was always concerned to take ballet to new audiences and consequently ready to dance in variety, revues, pantomime and on film with ballet companies. In the 1920s he established his own group working with Ninette de Valois, Phyllis Bedells and Vera Nemchinova presenting ballets at the London Coliseum and subsequently played a significant role in the foundation of 20th century British ballet dancing with the Camargo Society (1930-1933) and the Vic-Wells Ballet where his partnership with Alicia Markova was consolidated. In 1935 he established the Markova-Dolin Ballet which toured extensively throughout Britain for two seasons (1935 - 1937). Dolin subsequently joined the de Basil Ballet Russes before working in the USA with the new Ballet Theatre (later American Ballet Theatre) and again running further Markova Dolin companies and concert groups.

In 1948 Markova and Dolin returned to Britain, initially to guest with Sadler's Wells Ballet at Covent Garden but also to present ballet in arenas and tour in Britain. This led to the formation in 1950 of Festival Ballet, later London's Festival Ballet, (now English National Ballet) where Dolin remained as Artistic Director and premier danseur until 1961. He never stopped performing, taking on acting and mime roles. Dolin was a notable danseur noble, a popular partner who encouraged young ballerinas and formed notable stage partnerships with Markova, Nemchinova, and Irina Baronova. He encouraged boys to study ballet and produced important stagings of Giselle, as well as his own version of Pas de Quatre and the companion showpiece for men, Variations for Four . At the end of his life he received a knighthood for services to dance.