Sokolova, Lydia (1896-1974), was the first British ballerina to star with the famous Ballet Russes company of Russian balleet producer Sergei Diaghilev (see Diaghilev, Sergei Pavlovich ). Sokolova joined the Ballet Russes in 1913 and remained with the company, with a few short interruptions, until it disbanded in 1929. She won praise as a character dancer in ballets created by the Russian choreographer (dance creator) Leonide Massine for the Ballet Russes. Massine created roles for her in such ballets as Le Tricorne (1919), The Rite of Spring (1920), and Les Matelots (1925).
Sokolova was born on March 4, 1896, in Wanstead, Essex, England. Her real name was Hilda Munnings. Diaghilev changed her name in 1915. Sokolova made her ballet debut in 1910. She virtually retired as a dancer after 1929, spending much of her later years teaching. She wrote the memoir Dancing for Diaghilev (1960). Sokolova died on Feb. 5, 1974.
