Ashton, Sir Frederick (1904-1988), was an English choreographer (creator of dances). His gracious, refined, and tasteful dances helped establish today’s English national style in classical ballet.
Ashton was born on Sept. 17, 1904, in Guayaquil, Ecuador. In 1935, he joined the Vic-Wells Ballet as a choreographer. In 1963, he became director of the company, now known as the Royal Ballet. Although he retired from the position in 1970, he continued to choreograph occasionally. Ashton’s major works include Facade (1931), Symphonic Variations (1946), Ondine (1958), and A Month in the Country (1976). He also choreographed Illuminations (1950) for the New York City Ballet and Romeo and Juliet (1955) for the Royal Danish Ballet. Ashton was knighted in 1962. He died on Aug. 18, 1988.
