Kay Ambrose (1914–1971)

Katherine "Kay" Ambrose was born in Woking, in Surrey, England. She studied fine arts at Reading University from 1933 to 1936, and again in 1943-1944 when she won awards in drama, elocution, and dance. She first made her first mark in the world of dance as an author and illustrator of books on dance. In 1938, she illustrated Arnold L. Haskell's book Ballet. She went on to write and illustrate books such as The Balletomane's Sketchbook (1941), Ballet-Lover's Pocket Book (1943), Ballet Impromptu (1943) and Ballet-Lover's Companion (1948), many of which became collector's items. She traveled with Ram Gopal and his Indian dance company as art director, lecturer and dancer, after which she wrote the definitive book Classical Dances and Costumes of India (1950). In 1951, she was a friend and assistant to dancer and choreographer Celia Franca. When Franca, with whom she was collaborating on the book Beginners, Please! (published in 1953), accepted the position as artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada, Ambrose came with her. Though planning to stay for only six weeks, she remained in Canada to assist Franca in launching the company and proved to be vital to its early development. She joined the company officially in September 1952 as public relations officer, and a year later, as artistic adviser. From 1952 to 1961, she designed the sets and costumes for some 30 productions such as Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Nutcracker, that established the National Ballet’s presence in Canada. She also wore a number of other hats, from makeup artist to chef for the dancers. After the 1961-1962 season, Ambrose took a sabbatical from which she did not return.