Darcey Bussell Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Darcey Bussell – Grace, Grit and Global Acclaim

From the grand stages of London’s Royal Opera House to the glimmer of the television screen, Darcey Bussell has charted a remarkable journey — one built on raw talent, unrelenting discipline, and an unwavering passion for dance. Her story is as much about artistic triumph as it is about personal reinvention, family, and influence beyond the ballet world.

The Making of a Ballet Legend

Darcey Bussell was born Marnie Mercedes Darcey Pemberton Crittle on April 27, 1969 in London. From a young age, she was drawn to performance, but it was not until she began training seriously at 13 — at the White Lodge (the lower school of the The Royal Ballet School) — that her path began to take shape.

By 1987 she had joined the Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet (later the Birmingham Royal Ballet), launched her professional career, and then swiftly — just one year later — moved to the main company, The Royal Ballet. In a bold, near-instant rise, she was promoted to principal dancer in 1989, at just 20 years old — making her the youngest-ever principal in the company’s storied history.

Her repertoire spanned the greatest classical ballets: The Sleeping Beauty’s Princess Aurora, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Manon, Giselle — and dozens more. She created roles in new productions and danced with elegance, athleticism, and a dramatic intensity that cemented her place among the finest ballerinas of her generation.

In 2007, after more than two decades at the pinnacle of ballet, she performed her farewell on the Royal Opera House stage — a final bow that marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Beyond Ballet: Reinvention and Influence

Retirement from performing did not mean retirement from dance. Bussell transformed her legacy into new forms — as a judge, author, mentor, and advocate for the arts. She went on to become a judge on the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, appearing first in 2009 and then as a permanent judge from 2012 to 2018.

She also authored and inspired a popular children’s series — Magic Ballerina — published by HarperCollins, as well as books intended to introduce younger generations to ballet.

On top of that, she took on roles of leadership and patronage: as President of the Royal Academy of Dance, a supporter of numerous dance charities, and as an ambassador for global arts education.

Her transition from prima ballerina to cultural icon underscores not just the grace of her performances — but her commitment to ensuring that dance remains vibrant, inclusive, and alive for future generations.

Home, Family, and a Life Offstage

In 1997 Bussell married Australian banker Angus Forbes in Cherwell, Oxfordshire. The couple shares two daughters: Phoebe (born June 3, 2001) and Zoe (born February 10, 2004).

Family has shaped many of her decisions. In interviews, she has spoken candidly about how becoming a mother influenced her decision to step back from dancing professionally. She expressed a desire for her children to have memories beyond the stage — which eventually inspired a photographic celebration of her career.

Despite her glamorous public life, Bussell has described herself as grounded — disciplined in money management, mindful of her savings and finances, and modest about consumption.

What Is Her Net Worth?

Estimating the net worth of an artist whose earnings have spanned decades, continents, and multiple income streams is always an approximation. According to one of the more recent publicly available estimates, Darcey Bussell’s net worth is roughly US$22 million.

That figure reflects not only her earnings as a principal ballerina with a leading company, but also book deals, television appearances, endorsements, and her sustained presence in arts education and patronage.

Of course, such estimates are inherently speculative — but she remains widely regarded as one of the wealthiest and most financially successful British former ballet professionals.

The Lasting Legacy of a Dancer Who Wouldn’t Stop Dancing

Darcey Bussell’s story is one of elegance and endurance. From a modest childhood in London — where she was born April 27, 1969 — to being celebrated on the world’s greatest ballet stages; from a demanding dance career to motherhood, mentoring, authorship, and advocacy — her journey shows how talent, hard work, and reinvention can create a legacy that transcends mere performance.

Her birthday and birthdate anchor a remarkable life — but what truly endures is her commitment to the art of dance, to inspiring new generations, and to sharing grace, discipline, and beauty in every form she can.