Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1966-1969 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
One file of correspondence containing a cardboard binder and 90 typed and carbon copies of letters and notes, handwritten letters, administrative information, a telex and a telegram, stage calendar and performance schedule
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Kenneth MacMillan was born in Dunfermline, Scotland, and began ballet classes in Retford, England, in 1940. He joined the Sadler's Wells Ballet School in 1944 and later the Sadler's Wells Ballet but gave up dancing for choreography partly due to crippling stage fright. His first choreographic work was Somnambulism, created for the Sadler's Wells Ballet Choreographic Group in 1953 and he created works for both Royal Ballet companies throughout his career. He created significant works for The Stuttgart Ballet and his works are danced by ballet companies world-wide. He has also created work for television and cinema.
Kenneth MacMillan was Director of the Deutsche Oper Ballet in Berlin from 1966 to 1969, Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet from 1970 to 1977 and its Principal Chroreographer from 1977 until his death. He was also Associate Director of American Ballet Theatre from 1984 to 1989, and Artistic Associate of the Houston Ballet from 1989 to 1992.
Kenneth MacMillan was knighted in 1983, and he received honorary degrees from the University of Edinburgh (1976) and the Royal College of Art (1992). His awards include the Evening Standard Ballet Award (1979); Society of West End Theatre Ballet Award, 1980 and 1983; and, posthumously, the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production in 1993 for The Judas Tree; the Society of London Theatre Special Award in 1993; and the Tony Award for Best Choreography in 1994 for Carousel
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Content and structure area
Scope and content
This file of administrative correspondence between Kenneth MacMillan and the Deutsche Oper Berlin covers his period as Ballet Director. It comprises correspondence including rehearsal and stage schedules, terms and conditions for Kenneth MacMillan, arrangements re dancers, the contract for Monica Parker as choreologist, details for productions including Anastasia, The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, a handwritten note from Kenneth MacMillan to Gert [Reinholm] and his handwritten letter confirming that he will not be renewing his contract
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
This material was originally contained in a green card ring binder titled Korrespondenz MacMillan - Intendanz. This binder and the order of correspondence has been retained but the metal binding has been removed
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Allied materials area
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Notes area
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Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- MacMillan, Kenneth (Subject)
- Deutsche Oper Berlin (Subject)
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Description control area
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Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
English
German