The collection comprises a photograph album created by the Royal Danish Ballet and presented to visiting Russian choreographer Alexandre Volinine. The album commemorates the company's premiere of Giselle on November 10-11, 1946, staged in Copenhagen by Volinine. Giselle, featuring the company's principle ballerina, Margot Lander, was one of the company's most successful runs of the decade.

The Royal Danish Ballet evolved from Danish theater and traces its roots to the 1748 opening of Denmark's Royal Theatre in Copenhagen. The ballet company experienced its greatest success and growth under the direction of three noteworthy masters, Vicenzo Galeotti (1775-1816), Auguste Bournonville (1830-1877), and Harald Lander (1932-1951). Galeotti increased the number of dancers in the company, introduced Denmark to an international repertory, developed native dancers and composers, and staged popular ballets. Bournonville's reign is often called the "Golden Age." He was the principle male dancer until 1848 and built a rich and diverse repertory. A century later, Harald Lander revived and modernized the faltering company. During the 1930s and 1940s he nurtured and showcased talented dancers such as Margot Lander and Borge Ralov and brought in internationally acclaimed choreographers such as the Russian Alexandre Volinine.

0.9 linear feet (1 box and 1 oversized folder)

Publication Rights Property rights reside with the University of California. Copyrights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

Access The collection is open for research.