John Gilpin (dancer)

John Gilpin (10 February 1930 – 5 September 1983) was a leading English ballet dancer and actor.

He was born in Southsea, Hampshire, England, and began as a child actor in films, such as "They Were Sisters" and "The Years Between", opposite Michael Redgrave. He danced numerous leading roles for the London Festival Ballet and appeared opposite his first wife in "The Nutcracker" at the Royal Festival Hall in 1962. He had a long friendship with the dancer Sir Anton Dolin.

Gilpin was Principal Dancer of Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet) for over twenty years from its inauguration in 1950 until leg injuries forced his retirement, apart from a short engagement as Guest Artist for the Royal Ballet between 1960 and 1961.

He was twice married:
* The dancer and choreographer Sally Gilpin (August 1960 - 1970); one daughter, Tracy (born 1962)
* Princess Antoinette, Baroness of Massy (28 July - 5 September 1983)

He died from a heart attack in Monte Carlo, six weeks after his second wedding.

References

*See his autobiography "A Dance with Life" published by William Kimber, London, in 1982.

External links

* [http://www.imdb.com The Internet Movie Database]
* [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6801669 Photo]