Ralov, Kirsten (1922–1999)

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Ralov, Kirsten (1922–1999)

Danish ballet dancer and choreographer. Born Kirsten Laura Gnatt, Mar 26, 1922, in Baden, Austria; died May 30, 1999, in Copenhagen; dau. of Kai Gnatt and Kaja Olsen; sister of Poul Gnatt (dancer); m. Borge Ralov (ballet dancer and choreographer), Mar 15, 1944 (div. 1951, died 1981); lived with Fredbjørn Bjørnsson (1926–1993, ballet dancer and mime), 1954–93; children: Helge (b. 1946) and Bjørn (b. 1955).

Performed with Royal Danish Ballet (1940–62), where she danced principal roles in the Bournonville repertory, including in Napoli, A Folk Tale, and Kermesse in Bruges; performed in Massine's Le Beau Danube, Fokine's Petrouchka, and created role of Rosalind in Frederick Ashton's Romeo and Juliet (1955); choreographed works for company, including Kameliadamen (1960) and Doren (1962).