Young Dancer

This lifesize bronze statue can be found in Broad court, opposite the Opera House in Covent Garden. The statue is the creation of Italian artist Enzo Mario Plazzotta and modelled after ballerina dame Ninnette De Valois. Irish-born dame Ninnette de Valois, whose real name is Edris Stannus came to London and founded a ballet academy and one of the first ballet companies of the 20th century. Having contributed a lot to the history of English ballet, she is regarded as the godmother of ballet and was named Life Governor of the Royal Ballet after she retired in 1964.

Another British icon can be seen behind her in this photograph - the red phone boxes.