Known for her uninhibited personality and enjoyment of the fast lane.
Loved to play strip poker with the men in her company and once had an
affair with male dancer Michael Somes.
She was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1997 Queen's Honours List for her services to dance and was Vice-President of the Royal Academy of Dancing where she taught ballet from 1954 to 1977.
Known for her work in Frederick Ashton's pieces, she originated roles
for him in "Dante Sonata", "Horoscope" and "the Wanderer", which featured a well-publicized sensuous duet with dancer Michael Somes.
First husband, Painton Cowan, was killed in World War II three weeks
after the birth of their son. She married Charles Gordon in the
post-war years.
She is survived by her son, Painton Cowan II, and daughter, Caroline Gordon.
She was awarded the Royal Academy of Dancing Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award in 1976 for her contributions to dance.