Beryl Goldwyn Obituary

The principal ballet dancer Beryl Goldwyn, who has died aged 91, was celebrated for her performances with Rambert in the 1950s to universal acclaim.

She started dancing at the age of three and was taken to ballet classes by her mother. Beryl then became a student with the Royal Ballet School and performed in the opening performances of the Royal Opera House after the Second World War with Margot Fonteyn and Frederick Ashton.

After performing for the Anglo-Polish Ballet for three years, Beryl auditioned for Marie Rambert’s company. She was offered free tuition for two years whilst the company toured Australia. In 1949, Beryl joined the main company, first appearing on stage for Rambert as a dancer in Les Zigzags on 30 May 1949 which was choreographed by Walter Gore at the Mercury Theatre, London.

While at Rambert, Beryl is most remembered for her internationally acclaimed performances in Giselle which she first appeared on 21 November 1949 but it wasn’t until 7 August 1953 she appeared in the principal role.

She also internationally toured with Rambert to France, Italy, Germany, Lebanon and the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in the United States of America.

Beryl’s final performance for Rambert was on 1 June 1959 in La Reja, dancing the role of The Girl in Black at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London.

Beryl married the electrical engineer, businessman and company director Andrew Karney with whom she had a son.

Beryl was interviewed for the Rambert Voices oral history project that explored the history of the Company, sharing her memories of Marie Rambert, the ballets she danced in and touring in the 1950s.

She is survived by her husband Andrew, son Peter and two grandchildren.