search
Get Started
search
Darcey Bussell - Dancer
zoom_in Click to enlarge

Darcey Bussell

description Darcey Bussell Overview

Darcey Bussell is a celebrated British ballet dancer recognized for her extraordinary technical precision and artistry during her tenure as principal ballerina with The Royal Ballet (1987-2001). She achieved international acclaim performing leading roles such as Odette/Odile in *Swan Lake*. Her career showcases exceptional skill and grace, making her an influential figure within the world of ballet and a role model for aspiring dancers, particularly young women interested in pursuing classical dance.

insights Why this score

Darcey Bussell ranks #19 of 92 in the Dancer ranking, behind Ulyana Lopatkina, ahead of Diana Vishneva.

help Darcey Bussell FAQ

When did Darcey Bussell retire from her role as a principal ballerina at The Royal Ballet?

Darcey Bussell officially retired as a principal dancer at The Royal Ballet in 2007, performing a farewell gala at the Royal Opera House in London. Prior to her full retirement, she had stepped down from full-time principal roles in 2001 before briefly returning for special engagements.

What are some of the most famous ballet roles Darcey Bussell performed during her career?

Bussell was globally celebrated for her technical mastery and graceful artistry in iconic leading roles, particularly Odette/Odile in *Swan Lake* and Princess Aurora in *The Sleeping Beauty*. She also originated the lead role in Kenneth MacMillan's *The Prince of the Pagodas*.

Did Darcey Bussell serve as a judge on popular television dance shows?

Yes, she became a household name outside of ballet enthusiasts when she joined the BBC's *Strictly Come Dancing* as a guest judge in 2009, later becoming a permanent judge in 2012. She sat on the judging panel for seven years before departing the show in 2018.

Was a specific ballet choreographed specifically for Darcey Bussell?

Yes, renowned choreographer Sir Kenneth MacMillan created the role of Princess Rose in *The Prince of the Pagodas* specifically for Bussell in 1989. She was just 20 years old when she premiered the role, which rapidly accelerated her rise to becoming the Royal Ballet's youngest-ever principal.

Reviews & Comments

Write a Review

rate_review

Be the first to review

Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.

Save to your list

Save your favorites and follow how their scores change over time.

Save favorites
Get updates
Compare scores

Already have an account? Sign in

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare