Australia Dancing - Scott, Margaret (1922

Scott, Margaret (1922 - )

Lynkushka, Angela: Portrait of Dame Margaret Scott, 1994

Born in Joahnnesburg, South Africa, Margaret Scott began her professional career as a dancer with the Sadler's Wells Ballet where she was appointed a principal dancer in 1941. Subsequently she worked with Ballet Rambert in London and was a principal with that company from 1943 to 1948. She came to Australia in 1947 on the Rambert tour to Australia and New Zealand and remained here when the Rambert company returned to England, dancing in early seasons of the Melbourne-based National Theatre Ballet Company, again as a principal. She returned to England briefly in 1952 and worked with the choreographer John Cranko in his experimental dance group. On her return to Australia she taught privately and choreographed some works for Ballet Guild and Ballet Victoria. They include Apollon (1951) and Recollections of a Beloved Place (1975).

Scott was one of a group of people whose negotiations with the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust eventually led to the formation of the Australian Ballet in 1962. In 1964 she was appointed founding director of the Australian Ballet School, heading the school until 1990. Her choreography made for students of the Australian Ballet School includes Classical Suite (1967) and Sonata Classique (1971).

Since her retirement from the directorship of the Australian Ballet School Scott has continued to be involved in many aspects of Australian dance. She was cast by her former student from the Australian Ballet School, Graeme Murphy, to dance the role of Clara the Elder in his version of Nutcracker and she performed that role during the 1992, 1994 and 2000 seasons.

Scott was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1981 and has been the recipient of many other honours and awards including the award for lifetime achievement at the 1998 Australian Dance Awards.

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Collection - OzLife
Articles - New York Public Library Dance Collection
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