Pontois, Noëlla (1943–)

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Pontois, Noëlla (1943–)

French ballet dancer. Name variations: Noella Pontois. Born Dec 24, 1943, in Vendôme, France.

Entered Paris Opéra school (1953), before joining its professional company (1961); promoted to principal (1966) and étoile (1968), performed there in numerous classics including the lead in premiere of Lacotte's La Sylphide (1972), and in productions of Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, and others; created roles in Petit's Adage et variations (1965), Extase (1968), and Mouvances (1976), Descombey's Jazz Suite and Zuklus (both 1966), Flindt's Jeux (1973), Alonso's Pas de quatre (1973) and Robbins' Scherzo fantastique (1974); was often partnered with Rudolf Nureyev; was guest artist in US with Boston Ballet and American Ballet Theater, and in Austria with Vienna State Opera; retired from Paris Opera Ballet (1983). Awarded Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur (1984).

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Pontois, Noëlla (1943–)

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