Story perspectives

Pauline Clayden Dies at 103, Trailblazing U.S. Tours

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

British ballerina Pauline Clayden died on July 21 in Salisbury, England, at age 103.
She performed as the Fairy of the Songbirds in Sadler’s Wells Ballet’s opening of “The Sleeping Beauty” at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House on Oct. 9, 1949.
The 1949 opening launched the company’s first U.S. tour.
Clayden participated in the first four U.S. tours of the company.
Mayor William O’Dwyer told director Ninette de Valois during intermission, “You’re in, lady.”

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Story summary

British ballerina Pauline Clayden died on July 21 in Salisbury, England, at age 103.
She performed as the Fairy of the Songbirds in Sadler’s Wells Ballet’s opening of “The Sleeping Beauty” at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House on Oct. 9, 1949.
The 1949 opening launched the company’s first U.S. tour.
Clayden participated in the first four U.S. tours of the company.
Mayor William O’Dwyer told director Ninette de Valois during intermission, “You’re in, lady.”