Sir Anthony James Dowell, born on February 16, 1943, is a renowned British ballet dancer and former artistic director of the Royal Ballet, serving in that capacity from 1986 to 2001. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest danseurs nobles of the 20th century, and his illustrious career has been marked by numerous notable achievements.
Dowell was born in London and began his training in ballet at the tender age of ten, when he entered The Royal Ballet School. He later trained with June Hampshire before graduating into the Covent Garden Opera Ballet in 1960. The following year, he transferred to The Royal Ballet, where he was promoted to the rank of Principal in 1966.
Throughout his career, Dowell has created a number of iconic roles in various ballets. One of his earliest notable roles was that of Oberon in Frederick Ashton's The Dream, which premiered in 1964. This production also marked the beginning of his enduring partnership with fellow dancer, Sibley, who created the role of Titania. Dowell's other significant role creations include Des Grieux in Kenneth MacMillan's Manon and Beliaev in Ashton's A Month in the Country.
In addition to his work with The Royal Ballet, Dowell has also enjoyed a successful international career. He has danced as a guest artist with American Ballet Theatre since the 1978/9 season and has appeared in several films, including Ken Russell's Valentino, which was released in 1977.
