Lucette Aldous

Aldous, Lucette (b Auckland, NZ, 26 Sept. 1938). Australian dancer and teacher (she moved to Australia when she was four months old). She studied in Sydney then won a scholarship to Sadler's Wells Ballet School (1955-7). In 1957 she became soloist with Ballet Rambert, becoming ballerina, and remaining there till 1963. She danced with London Festival Ballet (1963-6), with the Royal Ballet (1966-70), then became principal ballerina with Australian Ballet (1971-7). A lively, brilliant technician, her gift for comedy was displayed in roles like Swanilda and Kitri (which she danced in Nureyev's film of Don Quixote, 1973), though she also displayed a gentle lyricism in La Sylphide. In 1977 she danced in the film The Turning Point, partnered by Bujones. She married the dancer Alan Alder. After retiring from the stage she became a teacher at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts.