Dawson, Nancy (c. 1735–1767)

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Dawson, Nancy (c. 1735–1767)

English theatrical dancer. Born c. 1735 in London, England; died June 9, 1767, in London.

One of the best-known performers of her time, worked in traveling puppet troupe during adolescence; joined Sadler's Wells Theatre company, mainly as specialty dancer and as Columbine in company's harlequinades (c. 1755); performed at Covent Garden in London for 3 seasons (1757–60) and was soon widely known for her specialty, the hornpipe, which she also interpolated in company's version of The Beggar's Opera (1759); performed 3 seasons at Drury Lane, appearing in Garrick's production of The Beggar's Opera.