Dame Ninette de Valois

Ninette de Valois was born Edris Stannus at Baltyboys House, an 18th-century manor near Blessington, County Wicklow, in 1898. She grew up as the second daughter of a British Army officer and a glassmaker, leaving Ireland for Kent at seven to begin the training that would reshape global ballet. The house stands as the quiet origin of a woman who became founder of The Royal Ballet, transforming a country girl into the godmother of English and Irish dance.