Belita (1923–2005)

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Belita (1923–2005)

English ice-skater and dancer. Name variations: Maria Belita. Born Gladys Lyne Jepson-Turner, Oct 25, 1923, in Garlogs, Hampshire, England; died Dec 18, 2005; trained for ballet under Anton Dolin; m. James Kenney (died 1982).

Professional skater from age 4, was featured in an ice ballet at 11; starred in London's Opera on Ice, then toured US and starred for 4 years with Ice Capades (1939–43); skated in films Ice Capades (1941) and Silver Skates (1943); turned to jazz dancing for such films as Lady Let's Dance, Suspense, The Gangster, The Man on the Eiffel Tower, Never Let Me Go, Invitation to the Dance, Silk Stockings and The Terrace.