Draft:Adam Lüders

• Comment: No WP:RS, WP:IS have been provided. QEnigma (talk) 08:49, 21 May 2025 (UTC)

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Adam Lüders (born February 16, 1950, in Hellerup, Denmark) is a Danish ballet dancer, teacher, and répétiteur, recognized for his contributions to classical ballet. Known for his height, elegant line, and technical precision, Lüders trained in the Bournonville tradition at the Royal Danish Ballet and is regarded as a quintessential danseur noble. He is among the last generation of dancers to have worked closely with George Balanchine at the New York City Ballet (NYCB), performing extensively in the Balanchine and Jerome Robbins repertoires.

Early Life and Training

Lüders began his dance training at the age of ten under Else Knipschildt, who later cast him in the film Snow White (1985). He also studied ballroom dancing before being admitted to the Royal Danish Ballet School in 1962. There, he trained under notable instructors such as Kirsten Ralov, Vera Volkova, and Hans Brenaa, and studied mime with Niels Bjørn Larsen. During his youth, Lüders performed in ballets, operas, and theater productions, including Elsa Marianne von Rosen’s Irene Holm and the Walt Disney film Ballerina (1966).

Professional Career

Royal Danish Ballet

Lüders joined the Royal Danish Ballet in 1968, where he quickly rose to prominence, performing principal roles in works by choreographers such as John Cranko, Flemming Flindt, and Rudy van Dantzig. His repertoire included both classical and character roles, with notable performances in Swan Lake, Monument for a Dead Boy, and the Bournonville repertoire. He also made guest appearances in productions such as The Nutcracker (1973) and Swan Lake (1976).

London Festival Ballet

In 1972, Lüders joined the London Festival Ballet (now English National Ballet) as a principal dancer. He performed leading roles in productions such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Les Sylphides. He also collaborated with choreographers Maurice Béjart and Maina Gielgud, and made guest appearances with companies including the Norwegian National Ballet and Ballet de Nancy.

New York City Ballet

In 1975, Lüders joined the New York City Ballet as a principal dancer, where George Balanchine created several roles for him, including in Kammermusik No. 2 (1978) and Robert Schumann’s Davidsbündlertänze (1980). He also performed in works by Jerome Robbins, Peter Martins, and Christopher d’Amboise. Lüders made guest appearances with companies such as the Paris Opera Ballet and Chicago City Ballet, and performed at the White House in 1977.

Lüders retired from performing in 1994, with farewell performances in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Symphony in C.

Teaching and Staging

Lüders began teaching during his career with the NYCB, offering pas de deux classes at the School of American Ballet. He has since taught and staged ballets for companies worldwide, including the Bolshoi Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet. Lüders has been affiliated with the Royal Danish Ballet as a teacher and répétiteur, staging works such as Concerto Barocco and Bournonville ballets. He is also a répétiteur for the Balanchine Trust.

Choreography

Lüders has created original works, including Schubert Pas de Deux (2015) for the Royal Danish Ballet and Vision Fugitive (2018) for Kammerballetten.

Film and Television

Lüders has appeared in several televised ballet performances, including Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments (1977) and Vienna Waltzes (1980). His work has been featured in PBS’s Dance in America series and other productions.

Legacy

Lüders is regarded as a significant figure in ballet, both as a performer and educator. His contributions to the art form continue through his teaching, coaching, and staging of classical and contemporary works.