Maude Lloyd

[Jane Simpson]

Maude Lloyd, the original Caroline in Lilac Garden, died in London on Saturday, aged 96.

She was one of the most important dancers of her generation, creating roles not only for Tudor but also for Ashton, Andree Howard and others in the 1930s, when she danced for Ballet Rambert and later for the London Ballet. She stopped dancing in 1940 to work for the Red Cross, and never returned to the stage: but she had a second career as a critic, writing with her husband, Nigel Gosling, under the name of Alexander Bland. She and her husband befriended the young Nureyev when he first came to London, and she remained close to him throughout his life.

One of the great names in British ballet, her loss will be felt by many friends and admirers.

[Alexandra]

Sad news indeed, Jane; thank you for letting us know.

[Mel Johnson]

But we can celebrate a long and productive life. Rest in peace, Maude.