Phyllis Spira

ABOUT PHYLLIS SPIRA

South African dancer, most remembered as a prima ballerina assoluta in the 1980s.

In 1959, she was accepted into the Royal Ballet School.

In 1984, the President of South Africa named her the prima ballerina assoluta, a rare title held by 11 people worldwide.

She married husband Philip Boyd in 1986.

She and fellow dancer Margot Fonteyn both held the title of prima ballerina assoluta during their careers.