Margot Fonteyn: Film biography of the iconic British prima ballerina

Just two years before she died, Margot Fonteyn finally agreed to tell the full story of her life.
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Fonteyn was filmed at home in Panama, where she looked back on her past from her first dancing lesson when she was four years old, through the career which took her to the peak of public performance and world acclaim. The programme is presented by Fonteyn herself and she recalls events both professional and personal which made up the pattern of her life.
In a career spanning more than four decades, she attained perfection in this most demanding of the arts, thrilling the public in both hemispheres. She had the supreme distinction of the title ‘Ballerina Assoluta’ bestowed upon her and was made a Dame of the British Empire. Her life was full of romance and adventure and it seemed incredible that this dignified ballerina should, at one time, have found herself at the centre of political intrigue and revolution.
Ninette de Valois, Frederick Ashton, Robert Helpmann and Rudolf Nureyev, the four most significant figures in her career, contribute to the programme. Their memories give substance to a truly amazing life.
There is archive film of Margot dancing many of her great roles and extensive newsreel coverage of the important events in her life.
Directed by Patricia Foy, 1989.
© Licensed by Digital Classics Distribution

[@carynfraser5509]

Long before the internet was even thought possible, I was receiving ballet lessons. I had a hard cover, photo-filled book that my mother bought for me. It was a book dedicated to all the ballets that Margot and Rudolph had done together, along with the story lines of each ballet. I remember cherishing that book, reading it over and over, wishing to be a dancer such as Margot was. Alas I had to stop my lessons when I was almost 10, which broke my heart because all I wanted was to dance on points. But I have never forgotten that book, nor these two sensational dancers. This is a beautiful documentary of an extraordinary ballerina. It was truly wonderful to hear her tell her life story and see her dance ❤️

[@dolphin28ful1]

Thank you for this wonderful film! Margot Fonteyn has always been my teacher! Reverence!

[@classicalaid1]

I remember seeing Ms. Fonteyn dance at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. She radiated a unique energy that was unforgettable.

[@judithcassetty486]

😊

[@jennyplunkett7813]

​@judithcassetty486

[@jennyoshea1958]

What a moving account of a brilliant, charming and talented lady. She maintain a beautiful innocence and beguiling joyfulness throughout; despite some very hard knocks. I think she was lovely.

[@josefinavegaarguelles4620]

It is of an extremely interest to get to know a bit of this marvellous ballerina that extended beautifully her ballet participation with Nureyev, the astonishing russian dancer. Beautiful! MB6 Josefina Vega Argūelles

[@josefinavegaarguelles4620]

She was and is loved and admired! And ever will be! MBA Josefina Vega Argūelles

[@josefinavegaarguelles4620]

C' est vraiment délicieux savoir détails de la vie de cette étoile de la danse, si élégante ! MBA Josefina Vega Argūelles

[@josefinavegaarguelles4620]

."c:était vraiment fantastique! MBA Josefina Vega Argūelles

[@adelastratila9593]

Margot+Rudy sono due Stelle che brillano su cielo in eternità.

[@marielcalder103]

What a delight this was and thank you for uploading this very interesting work. Dame Margot radiates happiness.

[@annh9225]

I saw Dame Margot dance with David Blair in Swan Lake - 23 Curtain calls later at Covent Garden, I burst into tears from exhaustion, and happiness. I remember that day with the clarity of to-day, because I waited in line for her autograph, as she stood on an orange box and signed so graciously!

[@brigittealexander1967]

She is so graceful. I dance myself I would love to have even 10 % of her grace

[@sana11sana19]

Какая женщина балерина боже!!! Чудо света!!!💖💖💖💖💖

[@barbaraangele8615]

Beautiful documentary. Thank you so much for posting.

[@cessanz2000]

Una mujer espectacular, no habrá otra Margot igual

[@kaythomas8521]

She took to Nureyev's influence almost automatically.......love Rudolf s explanation of their first experiences together

[@sedekiman824]

Her dancing was remarkable in its simplicity. No affectations at all.

[@leahtreck1083]

Aloha, magnificent . Thank you for sharing your gift of dance and beauty with the world🩰💖.

[@tanukimario7184]

Thank you for sharing. What a beautiful person she was.

[@voyaristika5673]

I knew nothing of her life til now. Thank you for posting this excellent production. This must have been very close to Tito's death as I think she died 2 yrs after this program, and 2 yrs after Tito. I love her speaking voice and chrystal accent. She was beautiful her whole life.

[@Dane_Youssef]

She even said as a little girl when she saw a picture of Anna Pavolva and her mother told Margot Pavolva was the greatest ballerina alive. Margot exclaimed, "Then I will be the second greatest." Margot often talked about the fact she was surprised she was named "Prima Ballerina Absolutta" as she didn't have all the things that make a ballerina. Doesn't professional ballet have a pre-requisite for what makes the idea ballerina? A small head, long limbs and fingers, a tight waist, high arches, and insteps in the feet..? She often reminded people she had none of these... natural advantages. And... yet... Hey, it all worked out. Most of this world felt like she was the greatest when she danced, not Pavolva. Once again--"Prima Ballerina Absolutta". Rest in peace, Margot. Your work is done.

[@cheri238]

Margo Fonteyn. Thank you for this video of life with her distinguished career. To hear herself speaking is the gift. I loved the ballet when I was first able to see one in NYC . The artistry, the years of training. Her life had many colors .

[@ThirzaLynetteClarke-ku9dq]

A remarkable story of humanity as it should be. Rudolf nureyev and Margot united across the miles to change each other's lives.

[@nancydionisi9346]

Many thanks for sharing this beautiful video about the great Margot Fonteyn!

[@ImogenC-rt3fm]

Almost weeping in joy watching this. I summarily retract every single crappy comment I’ve ever made on KZbin. Beautiful.

[@ImogenC-rt3fm]

Her ports des bras is GLORIOUS. Allow me to repudiate both spelling AND modern technique: THIS WOMAN CAN BLOODY WELL DANCE. I’m ashamed it took me so very long to get it.

[@waltraudpuschelpuschel8957]

Hermoso y significativo reportaje y narracion de Dame Margot Fonteyn, una vida inspiradora y trascendente artista. Musica cierre variacion cisne blanco, obra El Lago de losCisnes, Peter Tchaikowski. Margot Fonteyn , inolvidable.

[@kaythomas8521]

Yes. Tchaikovsky was a Master...a true Marvel

[@mariaantonietaruiz64]

Thank You for sharing us Your beautiful history its ameizing.

[@user-le8bg9dn9l]

Мечтаю увидеть этот фильм с переводом на русский. Это одна из самых любимых мной личностей и самая любимая балерина, хотя у нас есть Уланова и Плесецкая.

[@kazima8065]

Эта пара излучает столько любви, искренние чувства, так близки к другу другу. Без чувств так танцевать невозможно

[@GiGiGoesShopping]

Her grace matched by her talent and heart. Role model excellence.

[@Threadbow]

I treasure my certificates signed by Margot Fontaine I had to dance for her. Strict but compliments as well as criticism. A privilege to have been in the presence of the world's greatest ballet dancer.

[@lisahertel2415]

She just glows when she talks about Nuryev

[@astridsteenbuch9752]

I have the DVD and watching it many times. Great ballet dancer.

[@user-ij4lt4ry6t]

Какая красивая женщина даже в таком преклонном возрасте ..Респект !

[@sole26881]

Sehr interessantes Leben v.Margot Fonteyn. Danke sehr💐

[@doreekaplan2589]

As children we saw her in Los Angeles dance with Nuryev

[@kaythomas3171]

Love Nureyev in his interview here,,,,,,ever so charming, humble, diplomatic.....not rude or snide in any way ........heard ssssoooo many different rumors about their relationship.....don't think one will ever know the real truth.........Margot,,was one enchanting , endearing woman........Tito was such a ______,, she didn't deserve such treatment from him.....I don't think he loved her,,,,, he was just jealous of Rudi,,,,, (god,, Rudi was such a "gorgeous" Romeo,,,drool...)........what is that music at the closing of this video??? anyone know??? from what Ballet?

[@luckyluke3619]

There was no relationship between these two aside the professional aspect! I scatch your back and you scratch mine, that's it! Rudi was not into woman at all and quite frankly, Margo had abandoned her sexuality long ago! They both profited from each other's background!

[@maryrosenblatt6741]

@@luckyluke3619. They might have started with being polite. However the light beaming from their eyes is love, sounds like you don’t know it. Rudi was always bisexual it’s clearly been described.

[@luckyluke3619]

And you knew Rudi personally? That man has never loved anyone but himself! Erik Bruhn would testify to that! He certainly did not dye of aids sleeping with a woman, I can guarantee that! I have private pictures in my possession that would most definitely confirm it! @@maryrosenblatt6741

[@ImogenC-rt3fm]

“Abandoned her sexuality?” Who are YOU? How could YOU possibly know that? IMHO, people who say such stupid sh-t should be summarily deprived both of their thumbs AND of their tongues. WOW! Just wow. WTFDYTYA?

[@zoethornhill3192]

What a strange, captivating woman. You cannot help but admire her evident artistic talent but my goodness, her utter lack of political awareness is astounding.

[@kaythomas8521]

This ballet music 🎵🎵 🎶🎶🎶 is totally transcending

[@lilaschwarz6014]

What a marvellous example of what makes a person prone to be a star. A real prima ballerina with all the traits personality: perseverence, will to live, positivity, discipline, kindness. Remarkable woman. No wonder she ended up with a man who needed a fighter at his side.

[@crystalwaters8852]

Yes but she found out that he was cheating on her- she found lipsticks & jewellery lying around the house. Sad really.

[@kaythomas8521]

He was already married with 3 children when she met him... That should of been a red flag ....she didn't have much luck with men......that Constance Lambert was a nightmare....don't know if it would of worked with Rudi , either....altho their love seemed to be the purest...they say age is just a number......but....in their case.....I'm not sure...but, boy oh boy......that "Kiss" in Romeo and Juliet...was pretty convincing...sure.looked "real" to me...and in Marguerite and Armand. Too...they certainly had "magic". Whatever it was

[@eola8]

What a life!

[@antonellacelotto8455]

Margot Rudy semplicemente DIVINI ! Non appartengono a questo mondo, mai visto nulla di più bello. Sincronia perfetta, grazia celestiale e dolcezza, eleganza. Se esiste un Paradiso, sono loro.

[@rasaaudickaite2737]

Thank You !

[@anzelikasubociute3018]

Jūs, viena gražiausių, talentingiausių...❤❤❤

[@user-bb1pj8jj6k]

Марго единственная женщина которую любил Нуриев Рудольф ,Он ей оплачивал лечение ,Они должны были быть вместе ,но Марго решила по своему

[@hortensiaperamo954]

A mí no me convenció técnicamente. Pero es indiscutible su carisma y expresividad. Era muy hermosa en escena

[@hortensiaperamo954]

Y agrego. También es hermosa como persona

[@johnreynolds5407]

Remarkably beautiful aura, energy about her.

[@marialisduarterojas3024]

MUCHAS GRACIAS !!!!!!!!!!!

[@sana11sana19]

💖💖💖💖

[@timetraveller717]

Interestingly, after her husband’s death in 1989 Margot discovered that he had mortgaged their farm and she had to auction all her jewelry to pay for her own medical care for the newly discovered cancer.

[@ImogenC-rt3fm]

There’s a special circle of hell reserved for guys like that. Not that ANY person could “deserve” a Margot Fontaine. But seriously?! Dude, my Dude: WTF!?!? I’m speechless learning this. Who do you have to be inside to do something like that to anyone or anything?

[@hblsj84denyf]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@susampson278]

27:50 anyone know who that is?

[@gfexc]

Tito was a flim flam man. From beginning to end.

[@user-yd3cd5qk2j]

😊😊

[@stephanebelizaire3627]

Bravo and Cheers to a Great Lady, as well to her husband a Great Diplomat !

[@tatitati-jp4ut]

Марно тяжелая и крупная. Нуреев как Геракл носили ее

[@annadarmogianni4589]

❤🎈💜🤎❤💙🙊😅