Michael Somes - Obituary

Dance Magazine, Feb, 1995

Michael Somes, 77, considered by many to be the Royal Ballet's first danseur noble and an important longtime partner of Margot Fonteyn, died of a brain tumor in London on November 18, 1994.

A native of Horsely, England, Somes was awarded the first scholarship for boys given by the then-named Vic-Wells Ballet School in 1934. After he joined the company he eventually created roles in many ballets by Frederick Ashton, including Symphonic Variations, Cinderella, Daphnis and Chloe, and Ondine.

Somes was praised by critics for his elegant deportment, gallantry, and handsome appearance. In later years he continued to perform in character parts and also served as assistant company director under Ashton from 1963 to 1970.

In 1959 Somes received the title Commander of the Order of the British Empire. At one time married to ballerina Antoinette Sibley, Somes is survived by his wife, former Royal Ballet principal Wendy Ellis.