Claire Fitzwilliam
b. 1967
Royal Ballet
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Claire Fitzwilliam was born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1967, the daughter of Ruth Andrews, a former dancer at Sadler's Wells (younger sister to Marion Andrews). She studied locally and won a spot in the Royal Ballet School in 1978, but had to turn it down. She began her studies at the school when her family moved to London in 1980. She was noted for her amazing extension, strong feet, technical perfection and impressive stage presence, breathing life and dimension into every role she was given. Kenneth MacMillan choreographed three ballets for her, the third never actually being danced by her. Her most famous role was that of Giselle, followed arguably by Mary Vetsera (Mayerling) and Juliet in MacMillans' interpretation. She was also noted for The Dying Swan. She was mentored personally by Margot Fonteyn after becoming principal of the Royal Ballet in 1985. She retired prematurely after becoming pregnant with her first child in 1989.
Awards:
Adeline Genée Gold Medal Award 1981
Moscow International Ballet Competition 1981
Prix de Lausanne 1982
USA International Ballet Competition 1982
Sir Laurence Olivier Award 1985
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