Leon Danielian – an American ballet star

A shining star in the realm of American ballet, Leon Danielian brought unmatched prowess to the stage, dazzling audiences with his dynamism and versatility. Born in 1920 to Armenian immigrant parents in New York, Danielian’s introduction to dance was an unlikely one – it was suggested by doctors as a therapeutic activity following a childhood illness. This unconventional beginning proved fortuitous as he went on to etch his name into the annals of ballet history.

Beginning his formal education under the accomplished Armenian choreographer Seda Suny, Danielian further honed his craft under the watchful eyes of Mikhail Mordkin and Mikhail Fokine. He showcased his burgeoning talent to the world for the first time in 1937 with Mordkin Ballet, which would later be known as Ballet Theatre and American Ballet Theatre. In just two short years, he rose to the rank of a soloist, a testament to his remarkable skill and dedication.

Danielian’s dexterity and distinctive style, combined with an impressively diverse repertoire, set him apart from his contemporaries. Not only did he excel in classical roles, but he also carved out a niche for himself in comedic and character roles. His memorable performances spanned from the nimble Harlequin in “Carnival” to the Bluebird in “The Sleeping Beauty”, and most notably, the lively Peruvian tourist in “Paris Celebrations”.

This latter role was especially significant for Danielian as he immersed himself so deeply into the character that he reinvented it. He tweaked the original choreography to suit his style, imbuing it with his signature comedic touch, thereby outdoing even the original interpretation by the ballet master Leonid Myasin. Critics extolled Danielian’s sublime technique, impeccable jumps, and exceptional stage presence, culminating in a prestigious Dance magazine award in 1949 for the best dancer of the season. His creativity also extended to choreography, with “Sombrero,” “Mazurka,” and “Spain” to his credit.

The toll of his childhood illness eventually forced Danielian to retire from performing in the early 1960s. However, he remained dedicated to the art, shaping young minds as the head of the American Ballet Theatre school from 1968 to 1980, and later at the University of Texas in Austin from 1982 to 1991. A year after his retirement, the university honored him by naming their dance studio after him.

Despite suffering from numerous health problems, including a stroke, Danielian’s passion for teaching remained undimmed until his retirement. He lived to the age of 75, passing away from heart failure on March 8, 1997, in a Connecticut nursing home.

Vigen Avetisyan

Compiled from materials: www.armmuseum.ru, The New York Times, wikipedia.org, allll.net

Leon Danielian On Film

“Gaîté parisienne” – Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo