Markova, Dame Alicia, stage name of Lilian Alicia Marks 1910-
English ballerina

Born in London, she joined Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes (1924-29), then returned to Britain to the Vic-Wells (later Sadler's Wells and Royal) Ballet. A period of partnership with Anton Dolin led to their establishment of The Markova-Dolin Company in 1935. As well as performing Dolin's choreography in the joint company they also made guest appearances together around the world and were famed for their interpretations of Giselle. Their touring group developed into the London Festival Ballet (1949) which became English National Ballet in 1988. She was created DBE in 1963, was a director of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet (1963-69), and has been a governor of the Royal Ballet since 1973 and president of the London Festival Ballet since 1986. Her books include Markova Remembers (1986).

Bibliography: Maurice Leonard, Markova, the Legend (1995); Cyril W Beaumont, Alicia Markova (1935)