Background
Danilova, Aleksandra was born on November 20, 1904 in Petergof.
Danilova, Aleksandra was born on November 20, 1904 in Petergof.
Graduated from the Petrograd Theatre School, 1921. Pupil of E. Gerdt and V. Semenov.
Dancer at the Petrograd Theatre of Opera and Ballet, 1921-1924. Left the USSR, 1924. Joined Sergei Diaghilev. A star in the Ballets Russes until 1929.
From 1929-1938, with the ballet companies of de Basil in Monte Carlo and Paris, and starred in L. Miasin’s productions. From 1938-1952, danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo (USA), and made guest appearances with Sadler’s Wells Ballet, 1949, and the Festival Ballet, 1952 and 1955. Created her own ballet company in 1952.
Became very famous as a classical ballerina in the USA. Retired, 1957. Returned several times at the request of the Metropolitan Opera to stage some dances. Taught at the American Ballet School throughout the 1970s.