Ballet Webb: Throwback Thursday and Louise Farebrother

Throwback Thursday and Louise Farebrother

An obscure dancer and actress from the 1800s is Louise Farebrother. In the photo above she is seen in the role of Abdullah in the ballet Open Sesame (1844). During this period, although most ballets were created by men, it became unacceptable for them to appear onstage. Therefore, many male roles were portrayed by women.

Sarah Farebrother (Louise was her stage name) was born on October 8, 1816, and became known more for her personal life than her professional one. She was one of very few dancers to actually marry into the aristocracy.

George, Duke of Cambridge (first cousin to Queen Victoria), fell in love with Louise. He soon began haunting the stage door of the Lyceum Theater where she performed. For several years they lived together before marrying in secret since the Royal Marriage Act decreed that a member of the Royal Family couldn’t marry without the permission of the current ruler. One account states that eventually Queen Victoria approved the union, another says she always ignored Louise. Due to the debate about her marriage, Sarah could not take on the title of Duchess of Cambridge or the style Her Royal Highness. Instead she was first known as Mrs Fairbrother and later as Mrs FitzGeorge.

Together they had three sons, George in 1843, Adolphus in 1846 and Augustus in 1847.

Louise died on January 12, 1890 and was laid to rest in the mausoleum in Kensal Green Cemetery in London.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets

Dance History Secret #253:

“ Dancer Louise Farebrother married into the Royal Family.”

Link of the Day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZp4T1O3kLg

Quote of the Day:

“There is only one true aristocracy . . . and that is the aristocracy of passionate souls!”
― Tennessee Williams

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