At age 16

Dame Ninette de Valois (June 6, 1898 – March 8, 2001) was the Irish founder of London's renowned Royal Ballet. Born Edris Stannus in Baltibouys, Ireland, Stannus began dancing in 1908 at age ten, and became noticed throughout England because of her graceful movements. She legally changed her name to Ninette de Valois in 1921. She retired in 1926 at age 28 in order to promote ballet throughout Europe. copied from http://www. ... copied from http://www. ... June 6 is the 157th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (158th in leap years), with 208 days remaining. ... 1898 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... March 8 is the 67th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (68th in Leap years). ... 2001: A Space Odyssey 2001 2001 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... St. ... The Royal Ballet, which is based at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, is the leading ballet company in the United Kingdom. ... 1908 is a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area  - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 km² Population  - Total (2001)  - Density Ranked 1st UK 49,138,831 377/km² Ethnicity... The Waltz of the Snowflakes from Tchaikovskys The Nutcracker Ballet is the name given to a specific dance form and technique. ... World map showing location of Europe Europe is geologically and geographically a peninsula, forming the westernmost part of Eurasia. ...

In 1928 however she was engaged by Lilian Baylis to be director of her Sadler's Wells Ballet. Under de Valois' direction this company grew to became the "Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet Company" then split to become the "Birmingham Royal Ballet" and Covent Garden's "Royal Ballet". Lilian Baylis (May 9, 1874 - November 25, 1937) was a British theatrical producer and manager and the founder of a ballet company. ... The London Coliseum, home of the English National Opera The English National Opera (ENO) is Londons second opera company, after the Royal Opera at Covent Garden. ...

De Valois was awarded the French Légion d'honneur in 1950, and was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1951. She continued to make public appearances until her death at age 102. French Legion of Honour The Légion dhonneur (Legion of Honor (AmE) or Legion of Honour (ComE)) is an Order of Chivalry awarded by the President of France. ... 1950 was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar). ... A statue of an armoured knight of the Middle Ages For the chess piece, see knight (chess). ...