The founding father of British ballet, he developed the "English style" of classical dancing. He saw Anna Pavlova dance in 1917, which inspired him to a lifetime in ballet. He studied in London with Léonide Massine and Marie Rambert . He joined the Vic-Wells ballet, which later became the Royal Ballet of London, of which he eventually became director, succeeding Ninette de Valois during one of its greatest periods.

He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1950 King's Honours List for his services to dance. He was awarded Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 1962 Queen's Honours List for his services to dance. He was awarded the Companion of Honour in the 1970 Queen's Honours List for his services to dance. He was awarded the Order of Merit in October 1977 in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to dance.He was awarded the Legion of Honour in France in 1962 for his services to dance.He was awarded the Commander of the Order of Dannebrog in 1963 by the Danish government for his services to dance.