Marilyn (Young) Marshall

honour roll inductee

Biography

Marilyn Young’s relationship with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is a testament to a lifetime of artistry, leadership, and enduring dedication. From her early days as a gifted young dancer to her decades of service behind the scenes, Marilyn’s contributions have helped shape the RWB’s artistic excellence, preserve its rich history, and ensure its continued success for generations to come.

Marilyn began her ballet training as a young child with Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally at the Canadian School of Ballet. She joined the Winnipeg Ballet Company at just 15 years old and quickly rose to prominence. Her talent and stage presence earned her recognition as a featured artist in milestone performances—including a special appearance for Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1951, a Royal Command Performance for Queen Elizabeth II in 1958, and a cherished Nutcracker Pas de Deux with Arnold Spohr in 1953. In 1955, she was named Principal Dancer, a role that confirmed her as a central figure in the company’s early history.

Marilyn’s artistry was marked not only by technical brilliance but by her ability to bring characters to life through emotional depth and dramatic intensity. She was celebrated for unforgettable performances in The Darkling by Brian Macdonald and The Bitter Weird, a long-standing collaboration with Agnes de Mille. Ken Winters of the Winnipeg Free Press described her performances as “exquisite”—a reflection of the elegance and honesty she brought to each role.

She remained committed to deepening her craft throughout her career, earning a scholarship to the Banff School of Fine Arts in 1951 and pursuing further study with New York City Ballet and Robert Joffrey. She performed with Theatre Under the Stars and Rainbow Stage in the 1950s, showcasing her versatility beyond the classical stage. Even after officially retiring from performing in 1964, Marilyn returned for special projects, including television productions and a performance at Jacob’s Pillow. She also came out of retirement for the filming of The Bitter Weird during the 1963–64 season.

Marilyn played a crucial role in the company’s resilience during difficult moments. In 1954, when the Times Building fire destroyed the company’s sets and costumes, she was instrumental in fundraising and rebuilding efforts. As an RWB representative, she helped mark key milestones, including the company’s first international tour to Jamaica in 1963, where she and Arnold Spohr accepted an official souvenir album on behalf of the City of Kingston.

Her impact extended far beyond the stage. Marilyn served as a member of the RWB Board of Directors on the Production Committee, joined the President’s Council, and was later named to the Honourary Council. One of her most enduring legacies is the co-founding of the RWB Alumni Association, where she led numerous initiatives to honour and connect generations of dancers. She played a key role in the creation of the RWB Archives, organized major company reunions, and helped establish the RWB Alumni Association Scholarship Fund—supporting Professional Division students in pursuit of their dreams.

Marilyn was also a driving force behind the preservation of the company’s history. Thanks to her efforts, a $20,000 donation from the Alumni Association helped digitize and transfer archival ballet recordings, safeguarding RWB’s artistic legacy for future audiences and researchers.

For more than three decades, Marilyn served as President or Vice President of the RWB Alumni Association, a testament to her enduring commitment and visionary leadership. Her work ensured that the voices and contributions of past artists remain part of the company’s living history.

Through her extraordinary artistry, steadfast leadership, and deep devotion to the RWB community, Marilyn (Young) Marshall has left an indelible mark on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, a legacy that continues to inspire dancers, alumni, and audiences alike.