Anita Landa (1929- ). Ballerina and teacher

Anita Landa was born in Las Arenas in Spain in 1929. She moved to England just before World War Two, but her Spanish background and early life was to prove an important catalyst and influence on her future. After four years studying a variety of dance styles at the Ginner-Mawer School, she spent time at the Sadler’s Wells Ballet School, whilst simultaneously continuing her Spanish dancing studies with Elsa Brunelleschi. Her next move, was to the Cone-Ripman School, which was followed by her stage debut in 1948 with Esmeralda’s Spanish company.

From here she succeeded in an audition for the newly formed Markova-Dolin Company in 1949. The company soon took root and became known in 1950 as Festival Ballet. This company’s very distinct international outlook suited Anita Landa. She became a principal, among a galaxy of star dancers and enjoying the extensive repertoire, including, when in the USA, dancing the role of theBallerina in Petrushka, with Igor Stravinsky himself conducting. She married a fellow dancer, Michael Hogan and, in 1960, when expecting their first of their three children, she retired.

However, eight years later she returned to the ballet world. Her broad dance background and natural intelligence and sparkle made her an ideal choice for the intricate role of ballet mistress. After working with International Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre and on various Nureyev Festivals, she joined the staff of the Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet in 1979 as ballet mistress and also to dance character roles. This company became Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) in 1990. After her retirement from BRB, Anita Landa continued to be involved in ballet, including being a member of the National Council for Dance Education and Training.