Our patron

Doreen Wells, Marchioness of Londonderry

Doreen Wells, Prima Ballerina - Royal Ballet, has danced her way around the world: from England to America, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, France, the former West Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, the Philippines and Egypt.

Doreen's first major role was at the Spoleto Festiva when she danced with Rudolf Nureyev in his production of 'Raymonda'. After that she toured extensively as leading Ballerina for the Royal Ballet and dancing all the great roles.

Doreen also appeared with Harry Secombe, Placido Domingo and Kiri Te Kanawa in a BBC Christmas Extravaganza, dancing both The Dying Swan and then, in complete contrast, a tap routine on three step-up drums, which won her a standing ovation. She subsequently achieved a long felt ambition to appear on the lighter side of musical entertainment and played the leading role as Vera Baranova in the revival of 'On your Toes' at the Palace Theatre. Then, in the 1985 Royal Variety Show she played the young Anna Neagle in a scene from Dame Anna's famous film 'Spring in Park Lane'. She also danced the Pas de deux from 'The Two Pigeons' [her favourite ballet role] in the Save Sadler's Wells Gala at Covent Garden and 'Begin the Beguine' in the tribute to Dickie Henderson.

More recently Doreen played Maggie Jones in '42nd Street' at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane as well as dancing the title role in 'Adeline Genee Theatre' which celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the opening of the theatre of that name.

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