Pauline Clayden, a prominent dancer in the Sadler's Wells Ballet, has passed away at the age of 103. Clayden was a key soloist in the company during the decade following the second world war, leading up to its royal charter in 1956.
Known for her talent and adaptability, Clayden frequently stepped into leading roles originally created for Margot Fonteyn. Choreographer Frederick Ashton considered her an ideal dancer for such parts. She also had roles created specifically for her by Ashton, including a snake in Tiresias and a sacrificial goat in Sylvia.
Clayden was the first to perform the fast solo for the Autumn Fairy in Ashton's staging of Serge Prokofiev's Cinderella. Her career saw her dance various roles, including Queen of the Air in Homage to the Queen and Chloé in Daphnis et Chloé.
Born in Lewisham, south-east London, Clayden's training at the Cone school led to her being spotted by Peggy van Praagh. She joined the London Ballet and later the Sadler's Wells Ballet in 1942. After retiring from the stage in 1956, she continued to be involved in dance, contributing to the reconstruction of ballets such as Dante Sonata and teaching at the Royal Ballet School.
Clayden is survived by her children, Amanda and Roger, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.