Belinda Wright

Background

She was born Brenda Wright in Southport, Lancashire (later Merseyside). She was the daughter of a coal merchant, and as a sickly child was advised to take dance classes for her health.

Career

Wright began working with Ballet Rambert in 1946. After further studies, she joined the London Festival Ballet, where she danced as prima ballerina and became best known for her work in ballets including Harlequinade and Giselle. She also danced for Roland Petit"s Ballet de Paris, Le Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas, and the Royal Ballet.

Her farewell performance took place in 1977 in Tokyo, and afterward she worked as a dance teacher.

Wright had two children. She died of coronary complications in Zurich at the age of 78.

Achievements

• She studied under Dorothea Halliwell, Olga Preobrajenska in Paris and Kathleen Crofton in London, and won awards for young dancers including the Anna Pavlova Cup and the Dancing Times Cup.