Born: 1906 (Bornholm, Denmark)
Died: 1979
Else Højgaard (18 April 190611 July 1979) was a Danish ballerina and an actress of stage and screen. Known for her fiery temperament and edgy intensity, Højgaard made a significant impact in both the world of ballet and acting. She was a trailblazer who broke boundaries and left a lasting legacy on Danish culture.
Born on 18 April 1906 on Bornholm, Denmark, Else Højgaard (née Andreasen) was the daughter of a civil attorney. At the age of 12, she began her journey in the world of ballet when she became a student at the Royal Danish Theatre ballet school in Copenhagen. After years of hard work and dedication, Højgaard graduated in 1929 and made her debut in the role of Amelie in the 1928 production of Drømmebilleder.
Højgaard’s talent and dedication soon caught the attention of the renowned choreographer George Balanchine. In 1931, she had the privilege of premiering as a solo ballerina for Balanchine and performed the solo of Terpsichore in his staging of Apollon Musagete. This marked the beginning of a successful career as a solo ballerina for the Royal Danish Ballet, which lasted until her retirement from ballet performance in 1942.
During her years as a ballerina, Højgaard became the primary dancer for Harald Lander’s revival of the August Bournonville ballets. Known for her fiery temperament and highly dramatic performances, she brought a modern and anti-romantic presentation to her roles, captivating audiences with her intensity and lyrical style.
In addition to her ballet career, Højgaard attended the Royal Danish Theatre’s drama school from 1932 to 1934. She made her stage debut in Anker Larsen’s Son of Zeus in 1935 and later showcased her dancing skills in the 1938 film musical Champagnegaloppen, where she played the character of Arabella. However, it was in 1942 that Højgaard decided to dedicate herself fully to acting and left the ballet behind.
As an actress, Højgaard demonstrated a dramatic stage presence that was independent, indestructible, and almost defiant. Over the years, she delivered notable performances, including the Karen Blixen-inspired character of Julia in T.S. Eliot’s The Cocktail Party and the emotional sister Irene in Søskende (1952). Højgaard’s talent extended beyond the stage, as she also performed in radio and television productions.
For 16 years, Højgaard served as an instructor at the Royal Danish Theatre, sharing her expertise and guiding the next generation of performers. She continued to inspire and push boundaries as she returned to ballet in 1971, at the age of 65, to perform the role of Old Woman in Dødens triumf (The Triumph of Death). Her commitment to her artistry and passion for her craft were unwavering.
Højgaard’s contributions to the arts did not go unnoticed. In 1961, she was awarded knighthood in the Order of the Dannebrog, a prestigious honor in Denmark. In 1971, she was further recognized for her achievements and promoted to Knight of the First Degree. These awards are a testament to her impact on Danish culture and her lasting influence on the performing arts.
Throughout her career, Else Højgaard faced challenges and limitations due to her intense and somewhat nervous appearance, which prevented her from being offered lead roles in films. However, she made the most of the opportunities she had, delivering memorable supporting performances on the big screen.
Else Højgaard was a remarkable talent who left an indelible mark on Danish performance arts. From her electrifying presence on the ballet stage to her captivating performances as an actress, she exemplified dedication, passion, and artistic excellence. Her legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of performers and contributing to the rich tapestry of Danish culture.
Awards:
– Knighthood in the Order of the Dannebrog (1961)
– Knight of the First Degree in the Order of the Dannebrog (1971)