The Most Famous Female Ballet Dancers in History
Classical ballet has produced some of the most celebrated performing artists in history. These famous female ballet dancers shaped the art form, set new standards of technique and artistry, and inspired generations of students across the world.
Anna Pavlova (1881–1931)
Anna Pavlova was a Russian ballerina widely regarded as the most influential female ballet dancer of the early 20th century. Born in St. Petersburg, she trained at the Imperial Ballet School and became a principal dancer with the Mariinsky Ballet. She is best known for her iconic role as the Dying Swan in the short solo choreographed for her by Michel Fokine — a performance she gave thousands of times across the world.
Pavlova was the first dancer to bring classical ballet to audiences in countries that had never seen it before, touring to India, Australia, Japan and the Americas. She is credited with popularising ballet internationally more than any other single dancer of her era.
Margot Fonteyn (1919–1991)
Dame Margot Fonteyn was the defining British ballerina of the 20th century. She joined the Vic-Wells Ballet (later the Royal Ballet) and became its prima ballerina assoluta — one of only two dancers in the company’s history to hold this title. Fonteyn is remembered for her legendary partnership with Rudolf Nureyev, which she began at the age of 42. Together they created some of the most celebrated performances in ballet history.
Sylvie Guillem (born 1965)
Sylvie Guillem is a French ballet dancer recognised as one of the greatest technical performers of the late 20th century. Her extraordinary flexibility — she could extend her leg well above 180 degrees — set her apart from her contemporaries. She joined the Paris Opera Ballet at 16 and was named étoile (principal dancer) by Rudolf Nureyev at just 19. Guillem later moved to the Royal Ballet in London and expanded into contemporary dance. She retired in 2015.
Misty Copeland (born 1982)
Misty Copeland is an American ballerina who made history in 2015 as the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre — one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the United States. Her appointment was a landmark moment in breaking down barriers of representation in classical ballet. Copeland began ballet at the age of 13 (exceptionally late compared to the standard training path) and rose to become one of the most recognised ballet dancers in the world.
Tamara Rojo (born 1974)
Tamara Rojo is a Spanish ballerina who became one of the leading figures in British ballet. She spent many years as a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet before becoming Artistic Director of English National Ballet in 2012, where she staged acclaimed productions and championed new choreography. She is now Artistic Director of San Francisco Ballet.
Alicia Alonso (1920–2019)
Alicia Alonso was a Cuban ballerina and choreographer who co-founded the Cuban National Ballet. She danced principal roles including Giselle while nearly blind due to a degenerative eye condition, relying on other dancers to guide her on stage. She continued performing into her 70s and directed the Cuban National Ballet until shortly before her death at age 98, making her one of the most remarkable figures in ballet history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is considered the greatest female ballet dancer of all time?
Opinions vary, but Anna Pavlova is most often cited as the most influential female ballet dancer in history for her international impact on the art form. Margot Fonteyn is frequently named the greatest British ballerina. Sylvie Guillem is widely regarded as the greatest technical female dancer of the late 20th century.
Who was the first Black principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre?
Misty Copeland became the first African American woman to be named principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre in 2015 — a historic milestone in the representation and diversity of classical ballet.
How many professional female ballet dancers are there worldwide?
Major ballet companies worldwide employ several thousand professional dancers. The largest companies — the Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, and ABT — each have between 80 and 200 dancers on their rosters. The rank of principal dancer is held by a much smaller group within each company.