- Born
- Died
- Birth nameNita Celia Franks
- Celia Franca was born on June 25, 1922 in Mile End, London, England, UK. She was an actress and director, known for Festival (1960), The Dance of Salome (1949) and Folio (1955). She was married to James (Jay) Morton, Herbert Anderson and Leo Kersley. She died on February 19, 2007 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- SpousesJames (Jay) Morton(December 7, 1960 - August 21, 1997) (his death)Herbert Anderson(1952 - 1954) (divorced)Leo Kersley(February 27, 1941 - 1948) (divorced)
- Ballet dancer and teacher; founded the National Ballet of Canada in 1951 and was its artistic director for 24 years.
- She later attended the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Academy of Dancing.
- In 1951, she went to Canada and established a classical ballet company within 10 months, while earning a living as a file clerk at a department store. The fledgling National Ballet of Canada was helped by guest artists such as Lynn Seymour, Erik Bruhn, and Rudolf Nureyev.
- In 1941, she joined the Sadler's Wells Ballet (now the Royal Ballet), and was considered one of the finest dramatic ballerinas.
- She performed in London during WWII, and continued dancing even during air raids.
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