Van Praagh, Margaret (Peggy) (1910–1990)

English ballet dancer, teacher, and producer. After performing with the Ballet Rambert 1933–38 and the London Ballet 1938–41, she joined the Sadler's Wells Ballet as a dancer and teacher in 1941, and became a producer and assistant director until 1956. She was appointed artistic director for the Borovansky Ballet in Australia in 1960, and was founding artistic director for the Australian Ballet 1962–79, remaining associated as a council member and guest teacher until 1982. She was created DBE in 1970.

As a member of the Ballet Rambert Van Praagh created many roles, chiefly in works by Antony Tudor, such as Jardin aux Lilas/Lilac Garden (1936) and Dark Elegies (1937). Moving to Tudor's newly formed London Ballet, she introduced the idea of lunchtime performances during the Blitz. She later produced many ballets for BBC television and for international companies.

Van Praagh was born in London. She acquired impressive technical skills as a child – she could perform 100 fouettes on pointes – and trained with Margaret Craske (1893–1990).