Helpmann, Sir Robert (1909-1986), an Australian actor, ballet dancer, and choreographer, was a principal dancer with the Vic-Wells Ballet from 1935 to 1950. During this time, he toured Europe and North America. He became one of the principal choreographers for the Sadler’s Wells Ballet (now the Royal Ballet) in 1943. He created the ballet Yugen for the Australian Ballet Company in 1964 and became co-artistic director of the company in 1965.
During his acting career, Helpmann played leading parts in many plays by the great English playwright William Shakespeare. Helpmann first appeared with the Old Vic in 1937 in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He led the Old Vic Australian tour in 1955 and directed the company’s world tour in 1961. He acted in about 15 motion pictures, including Henry V (1944) and the ballet motion picture The Red Shoes (1948).
Robert Murray Helpmann was born on April 9, 1909, in Mount Gambier, South Australia. He began dancing in Australian ballet at the age of 11. He traveled to England in 1933, where he joined the Vic-Wells Ballet. Helpmann was named Australian of the Year in 1965. He was knighted in 1968. Helpmann died on Sept. 28, 1986.
