On Tuesday, 3rd June 2003, the London Ballet Circle held a
dinner in the Crystal Room. Mayfair Inter-Continental Hotel,
to mark the 105th anniversary of the birth of Dame Ninette de
Valois, our Founding President and First Patron. The dinner was
also to commemorate the memory of our late member, Edward Milne,
whose generous legacy to the LBC enabled this event to take place.
Sir Peter Wright CBE, President, welcomed many distinguished
guests and members of the LBC, headed by our own beloved
Patron, Dame Alicia Markova DBE, in her 92nd year, and our
Vice Presidents
Dame Beryl Grey DBE and George Milford Cottam and his
wife Diana. Lady Deborah MacMillan and many of our Honorary
Members
also
attended, with guests from the world of ballet including
writers and artists, staff of the Royal Ballet School and
many great
dancers of the past and present.
We were indeed honoured that three Company Directors were able
to attend during what must be very busy times for them. We welcomed
Monica Mason, Director, and Jeanetta Laurence, Assistant Director
of the Royal Ballet, Matz Skoog of English National Ballet and
Wayne Eagling, Dutch National Ballet.
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There were many happy reunions among
guests who had not met for some years and all the members present
enjoyed the opportunity
to entertain such famous guests, who were seated at different
tables around the room among the members of the LBC. 
After a delicious dinner, the surprise highlight
of the evening was the showing of a wonderful film from the
archives of the
Royal Ballet. This was an interview with Dame Ninette at the
age of 95 filmed in her own home and speaking to David Drew.
Her conversation was as witty and lucid as ever and the short
film concluded with a most moving extract from the celebration
of Madam's 10Oth birthday party held in the grounds of White
Lodge. The audience watched in rapt attention and there was
affectionate laughter at Madam's wit, as well as intense
emotion. The LBC
is most grateful to the Royal Ballet for allowing us to use
this film, which was prepared by Robert Jude of the Royal
Ballet,
and Jane Pritchard, Archivist (who introduced the film).
We continue our connection with "Madam" by funding
an annual Bursary at the Royal Ballet School in her name,
and. a cheque was handed to Rachel Hollings, representing
the Royal
Ballet School, by Sir Peter Wright.
The party then became more informal with guests moving
around the room and all the photographers present went
to work recording
the occasion.
So ended a memorable evening which not only commemorated
the wonderful life of Dame Ninette and her connection with
the London Ballet Circle, but reunited many people who
had not met for a long time. |
