GENEE, DAME ADELINE

born Jan. 6, 1878, rhus, Den. died April 23, 1970, Esher, Surrey, Eng. original name Anita Jensen ballerina whose classic style and precise technique were especially noteworthy during ballet's general decline in the years around 1900. At eight she was adopted by her aunt and uncle, the dancers who trained her for the ballet. Her early appearances were in Germany. From 1897 until 1907 she was prima ballerina at the Empire Theatre in London. Although her repertoire was extensive, she is most frequently associated with Copplia, a ballet revived for her in 1906. She made her U.S. debut in 1907 and during the following decade played five American seasons, mainly in musical revues. She retired from the stage in 1917 but continued to play an active part in English ballet, making occasional appearances until 1933 and serving as the first president, from 1920 until 1954, of the Association of Operatic Dancing of Great Britain (later the Royal Academy of Dancing). She was created Dame of the Order of the British Empire in 1950.