1945 – Sadler’s Wells Opera Ballet created

Thanks to economist John Maynard Keynes, Ninette de Valois’ Sadler’s Wells Ballet was invited to become resident ballet company at the Royal Opera House after the theatre transitioned from its wartime use as a Mecca dance hall back to a lyric venue. The move would impact Sadler’s Wells Theatre financially, and De Valois was still obliged to provide dancers for the Sadler’s Wells Opera, thus a second company, the Sadler’s Wells Opera Ballet was formed. Ever the pragmatist, De Valois saw the benefit of this Opera Ballet, planning for its use as a nursery for new choreographers. She initially appointed one of her oldest friends and colleagues, Ursula Moreton, as assistant director, with Claude Newman as ballet master and Peggy Van Praagh as ballet mistress.