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Cambridge Centre: Unlikely Cradle of British Ballet
2 Nov
Summary
- A Buddhist centre in Cambridge was the influential birthplace of modern British ballet.
- Dame Ninette de Valois worked at the venue, then the Festival Theatre, in the 1920s.
- The theatre's innovative design and lighting significantly shaped her choreographic style.
A Buddhist centre on Newmarket Road in Cambridge, the Cambridge Buddhist Centre, is recognized as the unexpected origin of modern British ballet. This historic building, one of only four remaining Georgian theatres, was known as the Festival Theatre in the late 1920s.
During this period, Dame Ninette de Valois, the future founder of the Royal Ballet, worked extensively at the theatre. Archivists state it was here that she developed into a modern, creative choreographer. The venue's avant-garde design, featuring an open stage and innovative lighting, provided a unique environment for her experimental approach.
Terence Gray, a millionaire who took over the theatre in 1926, championed abstract theatre focusing on movement and light over words. His experimental ethos influenced every aspect of productions, including costume, scenery, and sophisticated lighting techniques. This environment profoundly impacted Dame Ninette's evolving choreographic style.
Gray's influence extended to inviting W.B. Yeats to the theatre, leading to a significant collaboration between the poet and Dame Ninette. Her work on his play 'On Baile's Strand' was highly admired by Yeats, fostering a dynamic partnership. This collaboration was vital for her growth as a young creator.
The Festival Theatre closed in 1939. After several decades of varied use, including as a storage space, it became the Cambridge Buddhist Centre in 1998. The venue's rich history as a pivotal site for the development of British ballet remains a fascinating legacy.
