Who is Sir Kenneth MacMillan

A Leading Choreographer of his Generation

A leading ballet choreographer of his generation, Sir Kenneth MacMillan (1929–92) played a major role in defining the English ballet style and was fundamental in the creation and consolidation of the Royal Ballet. The Sir Kenneth MacMillan Foundation notes, “He had a burning sense that ballet theatre should reflect contemporary realities and the complicated truths of people’s lives.”

His close association with The Royal Ballet began when he joined Sadler’s Wells School (now The Royal Ballet School) at age 15. He directed the Company 1970–77 and was Principal Choreographer 1977–92. His ballets are distinguished by their penetrating psychological insight and expressive use of classical language. These qualities are demonstrated in his many works including Romeo and Juliet, Gloria, Manon, Mayerling, and Requiem.

He joined Sadler’s Wells School at age 15 on a full scholarship, later entering the Company. He created his first major work, Danses Concertantes, in 1955 and went on to become one of the world’s leading choreographers. He was the Director of Deutsche Opera Ballet Berlin (1966–9) and Associate Director of American Ballet Theatre (1984–90). He continued to create masterpieces throughout his life, including The Prince of the Pagodas (1989) and his last work The Judas Tree in 1992. He died backstage at the Royal Opera House during a revival of Mayerling.

Celebrated dancer and Repetiteur, Edward Watson notes, “MacMillan’s work is incredibly varied in terms of subject and music and storytelling and actual choreographic steps. But somehow you always know it’s him. You always know his sort of musical phrasing and dramatic intent. Even in his plotless works, some of which are sort of abstract, there’s always so much more behind them. His work constantly reveals itself as inventive, even some of the pieces that were made in the 1960s. It still seems you can find things in there that are unusual or surprising that you haven’t seen before and make you feel something.”

MacMillan’s Song of the Earth will open the British Icons program Feb 9–15.

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© San Francisco Ballet, photos by Lindsey Rallo