Beloved New Zealand ballerina Rowena Jackson died on Thursday aged 98 at her home in the Gold Coast, from natural causes.
The legendary dancer was born in Invercargill in 1926 and began her dancing career as a teenager in 1940.
The passionate performer worked tirelessly to promote ballet dancing in the 50s and 60s in NZ, and elegantly danced her magic on the stage hundreds of times.
She toured England in the late 40s and became a member of The Royal Ballet – then known as Sadler’s Wells Ballet, performing on stage in front of thousands of fans.
Some of the acclaimed productions she danced in include Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Giselle.
Rowena was later appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1961 for her services to dancing, and was the first ever person to receive the honour in that category.
She married British dancer Philip Chatfield in 1958 and had two children with him – the couple were together up until his death in 2021 aged 93.
Jackson and her husband moved to New Zealand in 1959 and became co-directors of the New Zealand School of Dance.
Beloved New Zealand ballerina Rowena Jackson (pictured) died on Thursday aged 98 at her home in the Gold Coast from natural causes
In addition to being a dancer, Rowena was also a choreographer, director and teacher in the field.
The Royal Ballet paid tribute to Jackson in a heartfelt statement: ‘We were very saddened to receive the news of Rowena’s passing.
‘She was such an integral part of the blossoming of The Royal Ballet and inspired everyone with her virtuoso technique, energy and agility.
‘We have fond memories of welcoming Rowena and Philip as special guests on tour in Brisbane in 2017, both as vibrant as they were as performers and filled with enthusiasm about the performance they watched.
The legendary dancer was born in Invercargill in 1926 and began her dancing career as a teenager in 1940
‘As her dance fans in New Zealand and on the Gold Coast would attest, we were fortunate to have Rowena’s artistry grace our international stages.’
She retired to Gold Coast, Queensland and lived the final years of her life there, which is where she passed.
Rowena is survived by her son Paul and daughter Rosetta.
The passionate performer worked tirelessly to promote ballet dancing in the 50s and 60s in NZ, and elegantly danced her magic on the stage hundreds of times
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