Quick Facts
Biography
Rowena Othlie Jackson MBE (born 24 March 1926) is a New Zealand former prima ballerina.
Early life
Jackson was born in Invercargill, to William Ernest Jackson and Lilliane Jane, née Solomon. She attended Epsom Girls' Grammar School, in Auckland, and in 1941 won the first Royal Academy of Dancing Scholarship in New Zealand.
Career
In 1946, Jackson joined the Sadler's Wells Ballet in London. She was notable for her role as Swanhilda in the ballet Coppélia, and danced with Robert Helpmann and her husband Philip Chatfield.
By February 1954, she had been promoted to prima ballerina at Sadler's Wells Ballet.
In 1959, Jackson held the world record for multiple fouettés performed sur place.
Honours and awards
In the 1961 New Year Honours she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to ballet.