märkōˈvä, 1910–, English ballerina. Her original name was Lilian Alicia Marks. Markova joined Diaghilev's Ballet Russe in 1924 and, in 1931, the Vic-Wells Ballet (now the Royal Ballet), becoming its first prima ballerina in 1933. In 1935 she formed a company with Anton Dolin. After appearing (1938–41) with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo she danced with Ballet Theatre (1941–44) and other American ballet companies. She worked again with Dolin from 1949 to 1952 in their Festival Ballet company. She was named Dame of the British Empire in 1963. Markova was noted for her precise style and ethereal grace. She excelled in all the classic roles. Her interpretations of Giselle,Pas de Quatre,Petrouchka,Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliet were exceptionally celebrated. She wrote Giselle and I (1960). After her retirement, she taught and coached, particularly at the Royal Ballet.

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