Anders Selinder facts for kids
Anders Selinder was a very important Swedish ballet dancer, choreographer, and director. He was born in Stockholm on November 4, 1806, and passed away there on November 6, 1874. For many years, from 1833 to 1856, he was the Ballet Master for the Royal Swedish Ballet. This meant he was in charge of all the ballet performances and dancers.
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Life and Dance
Anders Selinder's father was a jeweler in Stockholm. Anders became a top dancer, known as a premier dancer, at the Royal Ballet. This was part of the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm. He danced there from 1829 to 1846.
Becoming a Ballet Master
In 1833, when he was just 27 years old, Anders Selinder became the Ballet Master. He took over from Per Erik Wallqvist. He worked very closely with Sophie Daguin. She had also been a ballet master and was in charge of the Opera's ballet school. Together, Selinder and Daguin helped the Royal Swedish Ballet stay at a very high level. Many people thought Anders Selinder was one of the best ballet masters the royal ballet ever had.
Saving Folk Dances
During Selinder's time, people started to become interested in old Folk dances again. These traditional dances were slowly disappearing. Anders Selinder helped save them by turning them into ballets. He created many ballet compositions. He also choreographed, or designed the dances, for the national opera Värmlänningarne in 1846.
He created about 40 full ballets and 40 ballets for operas. Many of his ballets are still used by folk dance groups today. Some famous ones include Daldans, Jössehäradspolska, and Vingåkersdans.
Later Career and Impact
In 1856, both Anders Selinder and Sophie Daguin left their jobs at the royal ballet. Some people believe this was the start of a difficult time for the Royal Swedish Ballet. During the second half of the 19th century, ballets were not as important. They often just supported the opera plays.
After leaving the royal ballet, Anders Selinder started his own ballet company. This was a big deal because it was the first traveling ballet company in Sweden! His company toured around the country. They also performed folk dances and taught people how to do them.
From 1858 to 1866, Selinder managed a children's theatre. Later, in 1870 and 1871, he was a joint director at the Ladugårdslandsteatern theatre.
Famous Students
Anders Selinder taught many talented dancers who became famous. Some of his well-known students included Anna de Wahl, Sophie Cysch, Mathilda Hodell, Hilma Bruno, Hilda Bingvall, Zelma Eklund, Gardt, C. GL Callmén, Mina Pettersson, Sophie Dahl, Gunhild Rosén, Robert Sjöblom, and Gustaf Ullberg.
