Dame Adeline Genée
(1878-1970), Ballet dancer, choreographer and teacher; founder and President of the Royal Academy of DancingSitter associated with 24 portraits
Genée made her stage debut at the age of ten in Oslo. In 1897 she accepted a six week contract with the Empire Theatre, Leicester Square, where she was based for the next ten years. Noted for her charm, light precise footwork and characterisation through mime, she made ballet more widely popular in Britain than ever before. Admired in the Milliner Duchess (1903) and High Jinks (1904), her greatest triumphs included the roles of Swanilde (in Coppélia) and Giselle (1906). Genée retired from the stage in 1917 returning occasionally for charity performances. She was President of the London Academy of Operatic Dancing (later the Royal Academy of Dancing) from 1920 to 1954.
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