The Royal Academy of Dance has been gifted Sir Kenneth MacMillan's personal, artistic and business archive by Deborah, Lady MacMillan.
MacMillan (1929–1992) was the leading choreographer of his generation, creating world-renowned ballets including Romeo and Juliet, Gloria, Manon, Mayerling and Requiem.
The records span his life and career from his schooldays and early years as a dancer, through his time with the Sadler’s Wells Ballet and The Royal Ballet as dancer, choreographer and Artistic Director 1970–1977 and Principal Choreographer from 1977 until his death in 1992. He was Director of Deutsche Oper Ballet Berlin 1966–1969 and Artistic Associate of American Ballet Theatre and Houston Ballet 1984–1989.
Early material covers MacMillan’s school years and includes his Grade 1 ballet exam certificate from the Royal Academy of Dancing in 1944. His interest in fantasy jewellery is covered in correspondence, catalogues and details of the Jewels of Fantasy exhibition at the V&A, which included key items from MacMillan’s collection of jewellery.
There is correspondence from major figures in the world of ballet, music and theatre, as well as from friends and members of the public, including Dame Ninette de Valois, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Humphrey Burton, Lucia Chase, Alexandra Grant, Nora Kaye and Jiri Kylian.
Dame Darcey Bussell, President of the RAD, said, “there is no doubt that Kenneth's creative genius contributed to the evolution of the art form of classical ballet. He put British ballet on the international map, drawing stars from around the world to work with him and perform his works. The RAD could not be more grateful to have the honour of holding Kenneth’s archive. With our state-of-the-art facilities, I know the RAD will preserve the archive superbly and offer access in an inclusive way in the years to come.”