Dame Ninette de Valois was an Irish-born British dancer, teacher, choreographer and director of classical ballet. Born on 6 June 1898, near Blessington, County Wicklow she would go on to become one of the most influential figures in the history of ballet and would become known as the "Godmother" of English ballet.

She notably danced professionally with Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, which would later go on to become The Royal Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies of the 20th century.

This is the story of her life, and her journey towards becoming one of the best ballet dancers in the world.

Produced and Presented by: Norris Davidson.

First Broadcast 8th May 1956

An Irish radio documentary from RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland - Documentary on One - the home of Irish radio documentaries.