Frederick Ashton

Choreographer and dancer Frederick Ashton was raised in Peru. In 1917, he saw renowned ballerina Pavlova dance and fell passionately in love with the art. He studied ballet for many years before turning to choreography. Ashton was a key figure in the development of the London Royal Ballet and was involved with it from the beginning. From 1963 to 1970, he worked as the artistic director there and oversaw the performances of such illustrious dancers as Fonteyn and Nureyev, and helped elevate the Royal Ballet into one of the world's premiere dance companies. In addition to working with the Royal Ballet, Ashton also choreographed for operas, musical comedies, films, and reviews.

~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide