Alexandra Danilova lived a long, adventurous and multi-faceted life. A prima ballerina who exuded an intense perfume throughout that entire life, she is remembered as a force of nature, and with real joy and genuine affection by all who knew her, learned from her, or simply knew who she was. 

Born in Czarist Russia, fleeing the Soviet Revolution alongside George Balanchine, she danced for decades more, on international stages as well as Broadway and Hollywood. Her work as a teacher at the School of American Ballet is legendary, as were her diaphanous dance skirts, beribboned ballet slippers, glamorous make-up and perfectly coiffed hair. In 1974, she collaborated with Balanchine to restage the first two acts of his new production of Coppelia, in the process coaching one of her most famous roles. Her appearance in the iconic dance film The Turning Point, basically playing herself, preserves forever her unmistakable speaking voice and enchanting manner. 

Here to discuss her many lives is a panel that represents these different aspects of “Choura,” as she was known. Patricia McBride, former NYCB principal, will discuss how Coppelia was set on her by Danilova; former NYCB principal Maria Calegari will talk about being Mme. Danilova’s student who was taught her favorite roles for Workshop productions; Kim Kokich, Danilova’s goddaughter, will speak of her relationship with Choura, and share her memories and anecdotes. Elizabeth Kendall, dance historian and author who has written about Danilova’s early years in two books about Balanchine, will moderate. Presented in conjunction with The George Balanchine Foundation.