Frederick Ashton: A Genius of the Dance
Frederick Ashton was an outsider in the world of ballet. He grew up in South America and only began dancing when he was 20 years old, against the wishes of his family.
Yet somehow Ashton went on to become one of the founding choreographers of the Royal Ballet, his work embodying the 'English Style' of ballet.
On the eve of a season of Sir Frederick Ashton's finest works at the Royal Ballet, friends and fellow professionals pay tribute and share insights into the man and his work.


Sir Frederick Ashton: a profile of the legendary Royal Ballet choreographer
Key figures in the Royal Ballet give insight into the life of Frederick Ashton
More Frederick Ashton
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Ballet's master choreographer
Dancer, writer and broadcaster Deborah Bull spent twenty years with The Royal Ballet. To mark its season celebrating Ashton, Deborah writes for BBC Arts on his life and work.
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Rising star performs the 'Fred Step'
Francesca Hayward, a rising star in the ballet world, gives an exclusive performance of the signature 'Fred Step' - revealed in glorious slow motion.
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Ashton: Four of the best
Archive tasters of the four featured works in The Royal Ballet's Ashton season: Symphonic Variations, Scènes de ballet, A Month in the Country and Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan.