Pauline Clayden, ballerina who worked with Frederick Ashton and kept dancing throughout the Blitz
Yahoo News
Last updated: August 25, 2026
Pauline Clayden was a renowned ballerina who made her debut at Covent Garden in 1939. She continued her dancing career throughout the challenging period of the Blitz and collaborated with notable figures like Frederick Ashton and Robert Helpmann.
- Clayden's career began with a debut at Covent Garden in 1939, marking the start of her professional ballet journey.
- During World War II, she bravely continued to perform with the London Ballet, even amidst the severe bombings of the Blitz.
- Her professional collaborations included working alongside esteemed choreographers and dancers such as Frederick Ashton and Robert Helpmann.
- Clayden's dedication to her art allowed her to maintain her dancing career throughout the war, a testament to her resilience and passion.
- She passed away at the age of 103, leaving behind a legacy in the world of ballet.
