1959 – Harlequin Ballet founded

A small-scale touring company ran by John and Barbara Gregory (née Vernon), who trained with the Russian ballet dancers Nicholas and Nadine Legat. The Harlequin Ballet fulfilled John Gregory’s aim of taking ballet to the people, delighting audiences in remote and humble venues throughout the country. This was pioneering work, which was recognised by the Arts Council and aided until the powerful opposition of the national ballet establishment cut off the company’s funding and effectively caused its closure. In 1995 the Gregorys’ inaugurated the Legat Foundation as a charitable organisation devoted to perpetuating the legacy of Legat’s teaching genius.