About Robert Helpmann
Sir Robert Murray Helpmann was an Australian ballet dancer, actor, choreographer, and director. After early work in Australia he moved to Britain in 1932, where he joined the Vic-Wells Ballet under its creator, Ninette de Valois. He became one of the company's leading men, partnering Alicia Markova and later Margot Fonteyn. When Frederick Ashton, the company's chief choreographer, was called up for military service in the Second World War, Helpmann took over from him while continuing as a principal dancer. Helpmann became co-director of the Australian Ballet, in 1965, for whom he created several new ballets. In April 1934 de Valois created a new ballet, The Haunted Ballroom, with Helpmann and Alicia Markova in the leading roles. As well as romantic leading roles, Helpmann became known for his gift for comedy.
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