Ballerina and dance teacher Ruth French (1903-1986) was significant as one of the early 20th century British ballerinas. She was dancing just before the so-called birth of British Ballet and as such she had to develop her own career. When touring to theatres and other venues, she would take her own publicity boards to advertise her performances.

Born on 22 March 1903, French spent her childhood in Wallington, Surrey. She trained initially with Gwladys Dillon but later claimed Legat, Fokine, Morosoff and Clustine as her teachers. She first appeared on stage as a child performer in Mrs Percy Dearmer’s childrens’ productions, then in Marie Rambert’s first London productions, and became the lead dancer at the London Hippodrome (1920-25). She also toured the country, performing in variety theatres and popular venues. Her most famous role was as the Jackdaw of Rheims in the revue Brighter London. French twice appeared in Royal Command performances. She was invited by Anna Pavlova to be her ‘second ballerina’ (1928-30). She also danced with the Camargo Ballet Society in 1932 and with the Vic-Wells Ballet (1934-35). In the 1930s she became a respected teacher of dance, initially in Baker Street and subsequently in Chelsea. In 1934 she became a member of and subsequently an examiner for the Royal Academy of Dancing and in 1973 was awarded their Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award. Ruth French died on 27 September 1986.