Donlon, Marguerite

Marguerite Donlon was born in 1966 in County Longford. Her early life was influenced by traditional Irish dance, and she did not begin her ballet studies until the age of 16. She received her training from Anica Dawson and Dorothy Stevens, and was a member of the English National Ballet under Peter Schaufuss. In 1990, she became a solo dancer and choreographer with the Deutsche Oper Berlin. She has worked with many celebrated artists, including Natalia Makarova, Rudolf Nureyev and Sir Kenneth MacMillan. In 2001, Donlon became director of the ballet at the Saarländisches Staatstheater in Saarbrücken, Germany. Her resident company, Donlon Dance Company, is renowned for the highly technical and artistic level of its dancers. They have presented not only Donlon’s choreographies but those of prominent artists such as Ji?í Kylián, Christian Spuck, Helena Waldmann and Rafael Bonachela. Donlon’s artistic and innovative style, which combines different art forms and humour, has been recognised through several awards and nominations. Donlon resigned her directorship in 2013 and was awarded a Medal of Merit for her outstanding work as ballet director and her contributions to the world of dance. Since 2014, Donlon has brought her creativity and coaching skills to the world of business as a business coach and leadership mentor.