Alexandra Danilova facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexandra Danilova
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| Александра Данилова | |
Danilova as Fanny Cerrito in Pas de Quatre, 1948
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| Born |
Aleksandra Dionisyevna Danilova
November 20, 1903 Peterhof, Russian Empire
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| Died | July 13, 1997 (aged 93) New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Nationality | Russian American (naturalized 1946) |
| Occupation | Ballerina, teacher |
| Spouse(s) | Giuseppe Massera (m. 1934–19??) Kazimir Kokich (m. 1941–19??) |
| Awards | Capezio Dance Award, 1958 Mae L. Wien Award, 1989 Kennedy Center Honoree, 1989 |
Aleksandra Dionisyevna Danilova (Russian: Александра Дионисьевна Данилова; November 20, 1903 – July 13, 1997) was a famous prima ballerina. She was born in Russia and later became an American citizen. In 1989, she received the Kennedy Center Honors. This award recognized her amazing achievements in ballet throughout her life.
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Early Life and Training
Alexandra Danilova was born in Peterhof, Russia, on November 20, 1903. She started her dance training at the Russian Imperial Ballet School in Leningrad. This city is now known as St. Petersburg. She was one of the few Russian-trained ballerinas who got to perform outside of Russia. Her first professional job was with St. Petersburg's Imperial Ballet.
A Star on Stage
Leaving Russia and Joining Ballets Russes
In 1924, Alexandra Danilova left Russia with George Balanchine. They soon joined Sergei Diaghilev's famous dance company, the Ballets Russes. Danilova became a dancer, and Balanchine worked as a choreographer.
Touring and Partnerships
Danilova toured for many years with the Ballets Russes. After Diaghilev passed away, she joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. With this company, Danilova and Frederic Franklin formed a legendary ballet partnership. They were one of the most famous dance duos of the 20th century. Danilova was known for her beauty and strong work ethic. She was also admired for her glamorous style and beautiful legs.
Gaîté Parisienne and Broadway
In 1938, the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo performed Gaîté Parisienne in the U.S. for the first time. Danilova played the role of the Glove Seller. She made the character lively, glamorous, and sophisticated. Her performance in Gaîté became a huge attraction for the company. On opening nights, audiences would often give her a special cheer. This cheer would stop the show, and it became a tradition!
Danilova also performed on Broadway. Her first Broadway show was Song of Norway in 1944. Her last ballet performance was in 1957. She also appeared in a musical comedy called Oh, Captain! in 1958.
Teaching and Mentoring Young Dancers
Later in her life, Danilova faced some financial difficulties. In 1964, she met George Balanchine by chance. When he heard about her situation, he immediately hired her. She began teaching at the School of American Ballet.
In 1965, Danilova started special workshop performances for the students. These workshops became very important. They helped many talented young dancers get noticed. Danilova continued to teach there until she retired in 1989.
Staging Ballets and Film Appearances
In 1972, Danilova helped stage a ballet called Chopiniana for the New York City Ballet. Two years later, in 1974, she assisted Balanchine with a new version of Coppélia. Danilova had danced the main role in Coppélia many times. She helped stage the second act of the ballet.
In 1977, Danilova had a small role in the movie The Turning Point. She played a ballet coach who helped young ballerinas. In 1986, she wrote her autobiography, called Choura. This was her nickname. The book won an award called the de la Torre Bueno Prize.
Personal Life
Alexandra Danilova had a close relationship with George Balanchine for several years. They never married, but they continued to work together professionally for a long time. Danilova became an American citizen in 1946. She was married twice, first to Giuseppe Massera in 1934 and then to Casimir Kokitch in 1941.
Death
Alexandra Danilova passed away on July 13, 1997, in New York. She had a Russian Orthodox funeral service. She was buried at Oakland Cemetery in Sag Harbor. This is the same cemetery where George Balanchine is buried.
See also
In Spanish: Alexandra Danílova para niños
