Dame Maggie Scott

Foreword by Graeme Murphy.

It is impossible to tell the story of dance in Australia without focusing on Dame Margaret Scott. The fiftieth anniversary of The Australian Ballet School is a fitting time to launch her biography - she was the first Director of the School and a dancer and teacher of immense vision and intellect.

Maggie Scott was born into a free-spirited family whose pioneering attitudes she shares. She has made an incomparable contribution to dance in Australia since arriving in 1947 on tour with the English company, Ballet Rambert. She was a foundation member of the National Theatre Ballet and led a group of Australians who helped establish the Australian Ballet as the country’s flagship ballet company.

The inspirational Maggie Scott trained dancers now recognised internationally as exceptional performers, choreographers, directors and teachers. She memorably returned to the stage in Graeme Murphy's Nutcracker, most recently in 2000.

Michelle Potter is a dance writer, historian and curator with a doctorate in Art History and Dance History from the Australian National University. She is the recipient of two Australian Dance Awards: Services to Dance in 2003 and Outstanding Achievement in Dance on Film in 2001.

Graeme Murphy AO, a student of Dame Margaret Scott, has been at the forefront of Australian and international dance as a choreographer and director for nearly four decades.

‘A fascinating multi-faceted read, not least for its great insight into Australia during the 1940s.’ Launceston Examiner

‘A valuable addition to our dance history.’ Dance Australia

‘Impeccably researched…a fascinating biography of a major luminary.’ Sydney Arts Guide