Shiela Darby

One of the foremost exponents of the Cecchetti Method in America, Shiela Darby, died peacefully on May 22, 2000 at her home, in Sacramento, after a long battle against cancer. A close and long-time associate of Olga Fricker, the founder of the Cecchetti Society Inc. USA, Shiela was tireless in her efforts to raise the standard of Classical Ballet teaching in her homeland. Together with Miss Fricker, Shiela Darby ran the Fricker-Darby School of Dance in Los Angeles where they developed a performing group called 'The Apprentices' out of which many fine dancers and teachers emerged. One of their most successful students, Jennet Zerbe, was chosen to dance the role of 'Odette' at a Royal Ballet School matinee before going on to become a soloist with American Ballet Theatre. Shiela Darby's early ballet training was with Maestro del Oro, in San Francisco. Her advanced study continued under Olga Fricker and later, in England, with Nesta Brooking, Laura Wilson, Nora Roche and Richard Glasstone. Her initial performing career was with the Mason-Kahn Dancers in San Francisco. This led to Theatre Wing productions, USO shows, summer stock and the first national tour of 'Camelot: She choreographed numerous shows for Yuba College Theatre productions, as well as special shows for television and for various charitable organizations and, together with Miss Fricker, ran the California Festival Ballet Company. In recent years, Mrs. Darby was much sought after as a professional coach by young teachers in California and, until a few years ago, she served as Administrator to the Cecchetti Society Inc. USA. A Major International Examiner for the Cecchetti Society Faculty of the ISTD and one of only a handful of American teachers to hold the Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma. Shiela Darby was awarded the Cecchetti Medal - the Society's highest honour - in 1995 in recognition of her magnificent contribution to the Society's work. A personal friend of long standing, and an intelligent and elegant lady of great integrity, Shiela Darby will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Richard Glasstone

Printed in Sept 2000 issue of "DANCE" The magazine of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing