Ralov, Kirsten Laura Gnatt

▪ 2000

      Danish dancer and teacher (b. March 26, 1922, Baden bei Wien, Austria—d. May 30, 1999, Copenhagen, Den.), delighted Royal Danish Ballet audiences with her technique, vivacity, and acting ability, especially as she performed the works of 19th-century Danish choreographer August Bournonville—ballets that emphasized her gift for mime and showcased her light, joyous footwork. She later served as a company administrator and traveled to other troupes to stage Bournonville ballets. Ralov's association with the Royal Danish Ballet began when she was accepted into the company's school in 1928, and she made her performing debut in 1933 in a scene in Konservatoriet that featured children in a dance class. She joined the company in 1940 and danced her first adult solo role the following year, in La Ventana. During Ralov's performing career, she was especially noted for such characters as Rosaline in Sir Frederick Ashton's Romeo and Juliet and the Street Dancer in Léonide Massine's Le Beau Danube, in addition to her roles in such Bournonville ballets as A Folk Tale, Flower Festival in Genzano, The Kermesse in Bruges, and Napoli, in the latter of which she danced her favourite part, Teresina. In her farewell performance (1962), she portrayed the Ballerina Doll in Michel Fokine's Petrushka. Ralov had begun traveling to teach the Bournonville technique in 1955, and in 1979 she published a highly regarded book, The Bournonville School. From 1978 to 1988 she also served as the Royal Danish Ballet's associate artistic director.

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