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{{Short description|British dancer (born 1926)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
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'''Sir Peter Wright''', [[CBE]], (born 1926) is a British ballet teacher, choreographer, director and former professional dancer. He worked as a choreographer and as the Artistic Director of [[Birmingham Royal Ballet]], a [[classical ballet]] company based in [[Birmingham]], [[England]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Trucco|first=Terry|title=Sadler's Wells Ballet to Quit London Next Year|newspaper=The New York Times|date=14 January 1989|url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0717F73E5F0C778DDDA80894D1484D81|accessdate=13 December 2010}}</ref> On retiring from the company in July 1999, he was bestowed the honorary title of Director Laureate of the company.
{{Infobox person
| honorific_prefix = [[Knight Bachelor|Sir]]
⚫
| name = Peter Wright
| honorific_suffix = [[Order of the British Empire|CBE]]
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| image =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1926|11|25|df=yes}}
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| education = [[Leighton Park School]]<br>[[Bedales School|Bedales]]
| occupation = Ballet dancer, choreographer, director
| years_active = 1940s–present
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Sonya Hana]]|1954|2007|reason=died}}
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}}


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'''Sir Peter Wright''' [[CBE]] (born 25 November 1926) is a British [[ballet]] teacher, choreographer, director and former professional dancer. He worked as a choreographer and as the artistic director of [[Birmingham Royal Ballet]], a [[classical ballet]] company based in [[Birmingham]], England.<ref>{{cite news|last=Trucco|first=Terry|title=Sadler's Wells Ballet to Quit London Next Year|newspaper=The New York Times|date=14 January 1989|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0717F73E5F0C778DDDA80894D1484D81|access-date=13 December 2010}}</ref> On retiring from the company in 1995, he was bestowed the honorary title of director laureate of the company.
==Life==
⚫
As a child, Wright was educated at [[Leighton Park School]] and then went onto [[Bedales School|Bedales]], an [[Independent school (UK)|Independent]] [[boarding school]] based in the village of [[Steep]] in [[Hampshire]]. At the age of 16, his mother took him to a performance of ''[[Les Sylphides]]'' by the International Ballet and it was this experience that lead him to pursue dance as a career. His father was an accountant and, being a [[Religious Society of Friends|Quaker]], was also very religious. He did not approve of his only son wanting to pursue a career in dance, which led to Wright leaving both home and school at the age of 17.


==Early life==
⚫
After leaving home, Wright auditioned for [[Ninette de Valois]], to join what is now the [[Royal Ballet School]], but was rejected. He subsequently decided to accept an offer from the German choreographer [[Kurt Jooss]] to become an apprentice with his company "Ballets Jooss." He trained with the company for two years dancing in many expressionist and modern dance works. Eventually, Wright decided he needed to train in classical ballet, so returned to London to study with [[Vera Volkova]], a leading teacher of the [[Vaganova method]]. He then re-auditioned for Ninette de Valois, who offered him a contract to dance with the Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet, the predecessor of today's London Royal Ballet.
⚫
As a child, Wright was educated at [[Leighton Park School]] and then went on to [[Bedales School|Bedales]]. At the age of 16, his mother took him to a performance of ''[[Les Sylphides]]'' by the [[International Ballet]], and it was this experience that led him to pursue dance as a career. His father was an accountant and, being a [[Religious Society of Friends|Quaker]], was also very religious. He did not approve of his only son wanting to pursue a career in dance, which led to Wright leaving both home and school at the age of 17.


==Career==
⚫
In 1955, de Valois gave Wright his first opportunity to direct, making him responsible for the formation of the Sadler's Wells Opera Ballet, a troupe of dancers who would perform the dances in the operas at the Sadler's Wells Opera company. Later in 1957, he received his first commission as a choreographer, creating the ballet ''A Blue Rose'' for the Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet. In 1959, Wright was appointed as a teacher at the [[Royal Ballet School]].
⚫
After leaving home, Wright auditioned for [[Ninette de Valois]], to join what is now the [[Royal Ballet School]], but was rejected. He subsequently decided to accept an offer from the German choreographer [[Kurt Jooss]] to become an apprentice with his company "Ballets Jooss". He trained with the company for two years, dancing in many expressionist and modern dance works. Eventually, Wright decided he needed to train in classical ballet, so he returned to London to study with [[Vera Volkova]], a leading teacher of the [[Vaganova method]]. He then re-auditioned for Ninette de Valois, who offered him a contract to dance with the [[Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet]], the predecessor of today's Birmingham Royal Ballet.


⚫
In 1955, de Valois gave Wright his first opportunity to direct, making him responsible for the formation of the Sadler's Wells Opera Ballet, a troupe of dancers who would perform the dances in the operas at the Sadler's Wells Opera company. Later in 1957, he received his first commission as a choreographer, creating the ballet ''A Blue Rose'' for the Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet. In 1959, Wright was appointed as a teacher at the [[Royal Ballet School]].
⚫
In 1961, Wright was to make a critical career decision, when he agreed to work for [[John Cranko]], a former dancer and choreographer with the [[Sadler's Wells Ballet]]. Cranko had moved to Germany, where he established the [[Stuttgart Ballet]] as a world class classical company. Wright joined the company as Ballet Master, teacher and choreographer, and would create several works for the company including ''The Mirror Walkers'', ''Namouna'', ''Designs for Dancers'', "The Great Peacock" and ''Quintet''. It was also during his tenure at Stuttgart that he would direct his first seminal work, a production of [[Giselle]] that would lead to him becoming internationally renowned as a producer of the major classical repertory.


⚫
In 1961, Wright made a critical career decision, when he agreed to work for [[John Cranko]], a former dancer and choreographer with the [[Sadler's Wells Ballet]]. Cranko had moved to Germany, where he established the [[Stuttgart Ballet]] as a world-class classical company. Wright joined the company as ballet master, teacher and choreographer, and would create several works for the company, including ''The Mirror Walkers'', ''Namouna'', ''Designs for Dancers'', "The Great Peacock" and ''Quintet''. It was also during his tenure at Stuttgart that he would direct his first seminal work, a production of ''[[Giselle]]'' that would lead to him becoming internationally renowned as a producer of the major classical repertory.
⚫
Wright's production of Giselle has subsequently been staged by the [[Royal Ballet]], [[Birmingham Royal Ballet]] and almost all the international ballet companies. He would become particularly noted for his interpretations of the great length classical ballets, mounting ''[[The Sleeping Beauty (ballet)|The Sleeping Beauty]]'', ''[[Coppélia|Coppelia]]'' and ''[[Swan Lake]]'', which continue to be regularly performed internationally today. His most successful production is ''[[The Nutcracker]]'',<ref>{{cite news|last=Craine|first=Debra|title=Christmas cracker|newspaper=The Times|date=8 December 2007|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/stage/dance/article3000261.ece|accessdate=13 December 2010}}</ref> which in 2009 celebrates its 25th anniversary, and is set to be shown in hi-def in selected U.S. movie theatres.


⚫
Wright's production of ''Giselle'' has subsequently been staged by the [[Royal Ballet]], Birmingham Royal Ballet and almost all the international ballet companies. He would become particularly noted for his interpretations of the great length classical ballets, mounting ''[[The Sleeping Beauty (ballet)|The Sleeping Beauty]]'', ''[[Coppélia|Coppelia]]'' and ''[[Swan Lake]]'', which continue to be regularly performed internationally today. His most successful production is ''[[The Nutcracker]]'',<ref>{{cite news|last=Craine|first=Debra|title=Christmas cracker|newspaper=The Times|date=8 December 2007|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/stage/dance/article3000261.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615201139/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/stage/dance/article3000261.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2011|access-date=13 December 2010}}</ref> which in 2009 celebrates its 25th anniversary, and is set to be shown in hi-def in selected U.S. movie theatres.
⚫
In 1969, Wright returned to the [[Royal Ballet]] as a member of the artistic staff, later being promoted to the post of Associate Director, working in partnership with [[Sir Kenneth MacMillan]]. MacMillan was the Director and resident choreographer of the company and had been appointed by Dame Ninette de Valois. Wright would work closely with Macmillan for a number of years until 1977 when he was made Artistic Director of the Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet, which was the name for Birmingham Royal Ballet at that time. It was Wright who led the company when it relocated to Birmignham in 1990 when the current name Birmingham Royal Ballet was adopted. He was also to become the first Artistic Director of the company when it became fully independent of the Royal Opera House in 1997.


⚫
In 1969, Wright returned to the Royal Ballet as a member of the artistic staff, later being promoted to the post of associate director, working in partnership with Sir [[Kenneth MacMillan]]. MacMillan was the director and resident choreographer of the company and had been appointed by Dame Ninette de Valois. Wright would work closely with Macmillan for a number of years until 1977, when he was made artistic director of the Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet, which was the name for Birmingham Royal Ballet at that time.
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===Awards===

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*'''1981''' - Evening Standard Award for Ballet
It was Wright who led the company when it relocated to Birmingham in 1990, when the current name of Birmingham Royal Ballet was adopted. Wright served as the company's artistic director until his retirement in 1995, when [[David Bintley]] was appointed artistic director.
*'''1985''' - [[Order of the British Empire|Commander of the British Empire]] (CBE)

⚫
*'''1990''' - [[Doctor of Music|Honorary Doctorate of Music]] (DMus) from the [[University of London]]
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==Awards==
⚫
*'''1990''' - Appointed Special Professor of Performance Studies, [[University of Birmingham]]
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*1981 – Evening Standard Award for Ballet
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*'''1990''' - Elizabeth II Coronation Award, [[Royal Academy of Dance]]
*[[1985 Birthday Honours|1985]] – [[Order of the British Empire|Commander of the Order of the British Empire]] (CBE)<ref>United Kingdom list: {{London Gazette |date=14 June 1985 |supp=y |issue=50154 |pages=9 }}</ref>
*'''1991''' - Honorary Fellowship, [[Birmingham School of Music]] (FBSM)
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*1990 – [[Doctor of Music|Honorary Doctorate of Music]] (DMus) from the [[University of London]]
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*'''1991''' - Digital Premier Award
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*1990 – Appointed Special Professor of Performance Studies, [[University of Birmingham]]
*'''1993''' - [[Order of the British Empire|Knight Commander of the British Empire]] (KBE)
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*1990 – [[Elizabeth II Coronation Award]], [[Royal Academy of Dance]]
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*'''1994''' - [[Doctor of Letters|Honorary Doctorate of Letters]] (DLitt) from [[University of Birmingham]]
*'''1999''' - Appointed Honorary ''Director Laureate'' of Birmingham Royal Ballet upon his retirement as Artistic Director
*1991 – Honorary Fellowship, [[Birmingham School of Music]] (FBSM)
⚫
*1991 – Digital Premier Award
*[[1993 Birthday Honours|1993]] – [[Knight Bachelor|Knighted]] by [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]]<ref>United Kingdom: {{London Gazette |date=11 June 1993 |supp=y |issue=53332|pages=2 }}</ref>
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*1994 – [[Doctor of Letters|Honorary Doctorate of Letters]] (DLitt) from [[University of Birmingham]]
*1995 – Appointed honorary director laureate of Birmingham Royal Ballet upon retirement as artistic director


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Ballet}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.londonballetcircle.co.uk London Ballet Circle]
*[http://www.performing-arts.co.uk/sir-peter-wright/ Sir Peter Wright]

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{{Authority control}}


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{{Authority control|VIAF=76088407}}
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
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| NAME = Wright, Peter
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = English dancer and choreographer
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1926
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
⚫
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
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}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wright, Peter}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wright, Peter}}
[[Category:1926 births]]
[[Category:1926 births]]
[[Category:Administrators of the Birmingham Royal Ballet]]
[[Category:Administrators of the Birmingham Royal Ballet]]
[[Category:Commanders of the Order of the British Empire]]
[[Category:English choreographers]]
[[Category:English choreographers]]
[[Category:Knights Bachelor]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:National Dance Award winners]]
[[Category:National Dance Award winners]]
[[Category:People educated at Bedales School]]

Latest revision as of 20:14, 11 December 2024

Sir
Peter Wright
CBE
Born (1926-11-25) 25 November 1926 (age 98)
EducationLeighton Park School
Bedales
Occupation(s)Ballet dancer, choreographer, director
Years active1940s–present
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1954; died 2007)​

Sir Peter Wright CBE (born 25 November 1926) is a British ballet teacher, choreographer, director and former professional dancer. He worked as a choreographer and as the artistic director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, a classical ballet company based in Birmingham, England.[1] On retiring from the company in 1995, he was bestowed the honorary title of director laureate of the company.

Early life

[edit]

As a child, Wright was educated at Leighton Park School and then went on to Bedales. At the age of 16, his mother took him to a performance of Les Sylphides by the International Ballet, and it was this experience that led him to pursue dance as a career. His father was an accountant and, being a Quaker, was also very religious. He did not approve of his only son wanting to pursue a career in dance, which led to Wright leaving both home and school at the age of 17.

Career

[edit]

After leaving home, Wright auditioned for Ninette de Valois, to join what is now the Royal Ballet School, but was rejected. He subsequently decided to accept an offer from the German choreographer Kurt Jooss to become an apprentice with his company "Ballets Jooss". He trained with the company for two years, dancing in many expressionist and modern dance works. Eventually, Wright decided he needed to train in classical ballet, so he returned to London to study with Vera Volkova, a leading teacher of the Vaganova method. He then re-auditioned for Ninette de Valois, who offered him a contract to dance with the Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet, the predecessor of today's Birmingham Royal Ballet.

In 1955, de Valois gave Wright his first opportunity to direct, making him responsible for the formation of the Sadler's Wells Opera Ballet, a troupe of dancers who would perform the dances in the operas at the Sadler's Wells Opera company. Later in 1957, he received his first commission as a choreographer, creating the ballet A Blue Rose for the Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet. In 1959, Wright was appointed as a teacher at the Royal Ballet School.

In 1961, Wright made a critical career decision, when he agreed to work for John Cranko, a former dancer and choreographer with the Sadler's Wells Ballet. Cranko had moved to Germany, where he established the Stuttgart Ballet as a world-class classical company. Wright joined the company as ballet master, teacher and choreographer, and would create several works for the company, including The Mirror Walkers, Namouna, Designs for Dancers, "The Great Peacock" and Quintet. It was also during his tenure at Stuttgart that he would direct his first seminal work, a production of Giselle that would lead to him becoming internationally renowned as a producer of the major classical repertory.

Wright's production of Giselle has subsequently been staged by the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and almost all the international ballet companies. He would become particularly noted for his interpretations of the great length classical ballets, mounting The Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia and Swan Lake, which continue to be regularly performed internationally today. His most successful production is The Nutcracker,[2] which in 2009 celebrates its 25th anniversary, and is set to be shown in hi-def in selected U.S. movie theatres.

In 1969, Wright returned to the Royal Ballet as a member of the artistic staff, later being promoted to the post of associate director, working in partnership with Sir Kenneth MacMillan. MacMillan was the director and resident choreographer of the company and had been appointed by Dame Ninette de Valois. Wright would work closely with Macmillan for a number of years until 1977, when he was made artistic director of the Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet, which was the name for Birmingham Royal Ballet at that time.

It was Wright who led the company when it relocated to Birmingham in 1990, when the current name of Birmingham Royal Ballet was adopted. Wright served as the company's artistic director until his retirement in 1995, when David Bintley was appointed artistic director.

Awards

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Trucco, Terry (14 January 1989). "Sadler's Wells Ballet to Quit London Next Year". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 December 2010.
  2. ^ Craine, Debra (8 December 2007). "Christmas cracker". The Times. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 13 December 2010.
  3. ^ United Kingdom list: "No. 50154". The London Gazette (Supplement). 14 June 1985. p. 9.
  4. ^ United Kingdom: "No. 53332". The London Gazette (Supplement). 11 June 1993. p. 2.
[edit]
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