Gaskell, Sonia (1904–1974)

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Gaskell, Sonia (1904–1974)

Lithuanian dancer. Born April 14, 1904, in Vilkaviuskis, Lithuania; died July 9, 1974, in Paris, France.

Lived and trained in Israel (then Palestine), Paris, and Amsterdam; founded numerous companies—all predecessors of Dutch National Ballet—including Ballet recital Group (1949), Netherlands Ballet (1954), Amsterdam Ballet (1959); choreographed several dance pieces for companies, including Ragtime (c. 1954), Atles om Een Mantel (1954), Sphere (c. 1956), and Sonate (c. 1956); worked as 1st artistic director for Dutch National Ballet (1961–69).