Leyla Bedirxan (Leïla Bederxhan)
"My dance and my dreams are of the East."
Date of Birth: 1903
Place of Birth: Istanbul
Date of Death: 26/12/1986
Place of Death: Montauban, France
Burial Site: Paris
Field of Activity
Dance
"I am the first Kurd to dance at La Scala. I was asked, "Are you a woman from the East?" Especially with regard to Egypt, no country in which I spent time as a child or which I saw as a child, nor anything in those countries, is foreign to me. But if your question implies, 'Are you an odalisque?,' only my dance is Oriental, I am not myself Oriental."
Leyla Bedirxan
Leyla Bedirxan (or Leila Bederxan, the name she preferred to use in Europe) was the first Kurdish woman to be a modern dancer. She performed in Europe and the United States with a modern dance program composed of works inspired by Assyrian and Egyptian dance styles. Intending to highlight the historical roots of her choreography, she put on her performances in authentic locations; and she produced a dance exhibition utilizing the Great Sphynx at Giza in Egypt as a background.
At La Scala (in Milan) on 23 January 1932, she danced the role of Belkis in Ottorino Respighi's ballet "Belkis, Regina di Saba" (Belkis, Queen of Sheba), a premiere with the choreography of Leonide Massine. Her fellow cast member, the ballet dancer David Lichine, was in the role of Salomon.
The ballet "Belkis, Queen of Sheba" was one of the most demanding works staged in the art world of the 1930s. Methods new for that time were implemented, such as the use of wind machines in technical staging, taking the trumpets out of the orchestra, which played backstage, and giving a place to instruments such as the sitar, not used up to that time in a Western classical music orchestra.
In documents related to the premieres at La Scala, found in the Munıcipal Archive in Milan, in the first critical reviews published in the press and later in the analyses of cultural historians, the view was expressed that the "Belkis, Queen of Sheba" ballet was the most important performance in the history of La Scala.
Fondo Respighi, Serie "Fotografie", n.95, Archivio di stato di Milano, (12.4.2012).
Fondo Respighi, Serie "Fotografie", n.95, Archivio di stato di Milano, (12.4.2012).
Works Brought to the Stage by Leila Bederxan:
(Selection)Danse Druse
Estamp Persane
Hiéroglyphe
Dîlan (Danse Kurde)
Guerrier Kurde
El Tar / Tambourin
Fellahine
Estamp Persane
Hiéroglyphe
Dîlan (Danse Kurde)
Guerrier Kurde
El Tar / Tambourin
Fellahine
Awards
(No information available)
Memberships
(No information available)
Education
Leila Bederkhan studied ballet in Vienna.
Contributions to Society
- A gala for the benefit of the victims of the Erzincan earthquake, March 16, 1940. (Source: Journal des Debats, March 14, 1940)
- A gala for the benefit of the Muslim soldiers serving on the French Front, Odeon Theatre, April 30, 1940 (Source: Correspondance d'Orient Revue économique, politique et littéraire, no: 508, Mayıs 1940)
Family and Friends
- Mother:Henriette Hornik Bedirxhan (dentist, Austrian)
- Father:Abdürrezak Bedirxan
- Husband:Henri Touache
- Friends:Madame d'Ora (true name: Dora Philippine Kallmus, 1907-1963, Viennese photographer), Jean Target (painter), David Lichine (true name: David Liechtenstein, ballet dancer), Leonide Massine (choreographer, ballet dancer) Alberto Spadolini (ballet dancer, dance partner to Josephine Baker and Leila Bederxan), Ruth Bergner (modern dancer)
Commemorative Projects
(No information available)
Further Reading
Leyla Safiye, Searching for Leïla the Kurdish Princess of Dance, İstanbul, 2012.
Metin Kaygalak, "Bir Leyla'da üç yaşam", Radikal, 10.12. 2004, .radikal.com.tr/ek_haber.php?ek=ktp&haberno=3316
Leyla Safiye, Leyla - Bir Kürt prensesinin öyküsü, İstanbul, 2004.
Malmîsanij (Mehmet Tayfun),Cızira Botanlı Bedirhaniler ve Bedirhani Ailesi Derneği'nin Tutanakları, Stockholm, 1994; İstanbul, 2000.
"Belkis, Königin von Saba", musirony.de, http://musirony.de.tl/Belkis.html
"Belkis. Queen of Sheba", musicweb-international.com, musicweb-international.com/respighi/ballet.html
"Spies with licence to dance", albertospadolini.it, .albertospadolini.it/SPIES%20WITH%20LICENCE%20TO%20DANCE.pdf
Fondo Respighi, Serie "Fotografie", n.95, Archivio di stato di Milano, .archiviodistatomilano.it/spartiti-musicali-e-fotografie-del-fondo-respighi/fondo-respighi-serie-fotografie-n-95/
Leila Bederxan's notes regarding an exhibition in Berne in December, 1945, regarding dancers' performances in various nations also with Leila Bederkhan, dansesuisse.ch.
"Leïla Bederxan", Correspondance d'Orient Revue économique, politique et littéraire, no: 508, 5/1940.
"Leïla Bederxan", Journal des Debats, 14. 3. 1940.
N. Kanawaty, "Leïla Bederxan", Paris Presse, 21.02.1930.
Souces
Quoted Souces
Correspondence with Leyla Safiye, the researcher of Leila Bederxan's
Fondo Respighi, Serie "Fotografie", n.95, Archivio di stato di Milano, .archiviodistatomilano./spartiti-musicali-e-fotografie-del-fondo-respighi/fondo-respighi-serie-fotografie-n-95/(12.4.2012).
Source for Visual Images
Fondo Respighi, Serie "Fotografie", n.95, Archivio di stato di Milano, .archiviodistatomilano./spartiti-musicali-e-fotografie-del-fondo-respighi/fondo-respighi-serie-fotografie-n-95/
catalogue.drouot./ref-drouot/lot-ventes-aux-encheres-drouot.jsp?id=1574793
.luminous-lint./app/image/302505157402630172139/
.loc.gov/pictures/search/?q=beder-khan&co=agc
Acknowledgments
The Women's Museum Istanbul is grateful to Leyla Safiye for her support in producing the Leyla Bederxan
memorial page
.istanbulkadinmuzesi
.................................................
(No information available)
Further Reading
Leyla Safiye, Searching for Leïla the Kurdish Princess of Dance, İstanbul, 2012.
Metin Kaygalak, "Bir Leyla'da üç yaşam", Radikal, 10.12. 2004, .radikal.com.tr/ek_haber.php?ek=ktp&haberno=3316
Leyla Safiye, Leyla - Bir Kürt prensesinin öyküsü, İstanbul, 2004.
Malmîsanij (Mehmet Tayfun),Cızira Botanlı Bedirhaniler ve Bedirhani Ailesi Derneği'nin Tutanakları, Stockholm, 1994; İstanbul, 2000.
"Belkis, Königin von Saba", musirony.de, http://musirony.de.tl/Belkis.html
"Belkis. Queen of Sheba", musicweb-international.com, musicweb-international.com/respighi/ballet.html
"Spies with licence to dance", albertospadolini.it, .albertospadolini.it/SPIES%20WITH%20LICENCE%20TO%20DANCE.pdf
Fondo Respighi, Serie "Fotografie", n.95, Archivio di stato di Milano, .archiviodistatomilano.it/spartiti-musicali-e-fotografie-del-fondo-respighi/fondo-respighi-serie-fotografie-n-95/
Leila Bederxan's notes regarding an exhibition in Berne in December, 1945, regarding dancers' performances in various nations also with Leila Bederkhan, dansesuisse.ch.
"Leïla Bederxan", Correspondance d'Orient Revue économique, politique et littéraire, no: 508, 5/1940.
"Leïla Bederxan", Journal des Debats, 14. 3. 1940.
N. Kanawaty, "Leïla Bederxan", Paris Presse, 21.02.1930.
Souces
Quoted Souces
Correspondence with Leyla Safiye, the researcher of Leila Bederxan's
Fondo Respighi, Serie "Fotografie", n.95, Archivio di stato di Milano, .archiviodistatomilano./spartiti-musicali-e-fotografie-del-fondo-respighi/fondo-respighi-serie-fotografie-n-95/(12.4.2012).
Source for Visual Images
Fondo Respighi, Serie "Fotografie", n.95, Archivio di stato di Milano, .archiviodistatomilano./spartiti-musicali-e-fotografie-del-fondo-respighi/fondo-respighi-serie-fotografie-n-95/
catalogue.drouot./ref-drouot/lot-ventes-aux-encheres-drouot.jsp?id=1574793
.luminous-lint./app/image/302505157402630172139/
.loc.gov/pictures/search/?q=beder-khan&co=agc
Acknowledgments
The Women's Museum Istanbul is grateful to Leyla Safiye for her support in producing the Leyla Bederxan
memorial page
.istanbulkadinmuzesi
.................................................
Jean TARGET (1910-1997) Leïla Bederxan, dans une danse kurde Aquarelle, p
Jean TARGET (1910-1997)
Leïla Bederxan, dans une danse kurde Aquarelle, pierre noire et sanguine. Signée et titrée en bas à gauche. 30.40 x 24 cm
Accès abonné
Tous les lots de la vente aux encheres
En savoir plus
Le résultat de ce lot
Jean TARGET (1910-1997)
Leïla Bederxan, dans une danse kurde Aquarelle, pierre noire et sanguine. Signée et titrée en bas à gauche. 30.40 x 24 cm
Accès abonné
Tous les lots de la vente aux encheres
En savoir plus
Le résultat de ce lot
photo by madame dora.dora kallmus
D'Ora
Princesse Leila Bederxan, danseuse Kourde [Kurdish dancer]
1930 (ca)
Gelatin silver print
28,2 x 18,7 cm
Bassenge Photography Auctions
(88 / 4169)
LL/15740
reallifeiselsewhere.blog /2012/05/dora-kallmus-madame-dora.htm
D'Ora
Princesse Leila Bederxan, danseuse Kourde [Kurdish dancer]
1930 (ca)
Gelatin silver print
28,2 x 18,7 cm
Bassenge Photography Auctions
(88 / 4169)
LL/15740
reallifeiselsewhere.blog /2012/05/dora-kallmus-madame-dora.htm
............................
Madame d’Ora – Princesse Leila Bederxan, danseuse Kourde , 1930
Princess Leila Bederxan, daughter of the great Bederxan, who was Emir of Kurdistan under the reign of the Sultan Abdul Hamid, is causing a sensation on the Continent with her marvellous dancing. She dances solely in the Eastern style and has instituted a new vogue in the artistic circles on the Continent. She has been engaged to make a long tour in America
............................
Dagens Nyheter, 8/2 1925
'Prinsessa av Kurdistan och dansös'
'Den dansande prinsessan'
'Emirens dotter danserska'
1 "Leila", Stockholms-Tidningen, 17 februari 1925
2 "Emirens dotter danserska", Ajjtonbladet, 24 februari 1924.
3 "Exotisk höghet i antâgande?”, Dagens Nyheter, 8 februari 1925.
4 Dagens Nyheter, 1 februari 1925.
5 "Prinsessan som blir dansös", Svenska Dagbladet, 29 juli 1924.
6 "Exotisk dansös till Stockholm", Svenska Dagbladet, 8 februari 1925.
7 "Prinsessan Leilas dansafton", Stockholms Dagblad, 18 februari 1925.
8 "Exotisk höghet i antâgande?", Dagens Nyheter, 8 februari 1925.
9 "Prinsessan som blir dansös", Svenska Dagbladet, 29 juli 1924.
10 "Den dansande prinsessan", Aftonbladet, 15 februari 1925.
11 "Leila Bedr-Schan dansade", 18 februari 1925.
12 "Leila Bedr-Schan's dansafton", Aftonbladet, 18 februari 1925.
13 "Den kurdiska danserskan har", Dagens Nyheter, 17 februari 1925.
14 "Den dansande prinsessan", Aftonbladet, 15 februari 1925.
15 "Kurdistan-Prinsessan till folkteatern", Stockholms-Tidningen, 25 februari 1925.
16 "Den kurdiska danserskan har", Dagens Nyheter, 17 februari 1925.
17 "Kvâllens danserska", Stockholms-Tidningen, 17 februari 1925.
18 "Den kurdiska danserskan har", Dagens Nyheter, 17 februari 1925.
19 "Prinsessan av Kurdistan och dansös", Svenska Dagbladet, 17 februari 1925.
20 "Emirens dotter danserska", Aftonbladet, 24 februari1924.
21 "Kvâllens danserska", Stockholms-Tidningen, 17 februari 1925.
22 "Leila Bedr-Schan dansade", Svenska Dagbladet, 18 februari 1925.
23 "Teater och musik", Dagens Nyheter, 18 februari 1925.
24 "Prinsessan av Kurdistan", Aftonbladet, 20 februari 1926.
25 "Kurdisk prinsessa som danserska i Paris", Hvar 8 Dag, nr 14/1927.
'Prinsessa av Kurdistan och dansös'
'Den dansande prinsessan'
'Emirens dotter danserska'
1 "Leila", Stockholms-Tidningen, 17 februari 1925
2 "Emirens dotter danserska", Ajjtonbladet, 24 februari 1924.
3 "Exotisk höghet i antâgande?”, Dagens Nyheter, 8 februari 1925.
4 Dagens Nyheter, 1 februari 1925.
5 "Prinsessan som blir dansös", Svenska Dagbladet, 29 juli 1924.
6 "Exotisk dansös till Stockholm", Svenska Dagbladet, 8 februari 1925.
7 "Prinsessan Leilas dansafton", Stockholms Dagblad, 18 februari 1925.
8 "Exotisk höghet i antâgande?", Dagens Nyheter, 8 februari 1925.
9 "Prinsessan som blir dansös", Svenska Dagbladet, 29 juli 1924.
10 "Den dansande prinsessan", Aftonbladet, 15 februari 1925.
11 "Leila Bedr-Schan dansade", 18 februari 1925.
12 "Leila Bedr-Schan's dansafton", Aftonbladet, 18 februari 1925.
13 "Den kurdiska danserskan har", Dagens Nyheter, 17 februari 1925.
14 "Den dansande prinsessan", Aftonbladet, 15 februari 1925.
15 "Kurdistan-Prinsessan till folkteatern", Stockholms-Tidningen, 25 februari 1925.
16 "Den kurdiska danserskan har", Dagens Nyheter, 17 februari 1925.
17 "Kvâllens danserska", Stockholms-Tidningen, 17 februari 1925.
18 "Den kurdiska danserskan har", Dagens Nyheter, 17 februari 1925.
19 "Prinsessan av Kurdistan och dansös", Svenska Dagbladet, 17 februari 1925.
20 "Emirens dotter danserska", Aftonbladet, 24 februari1924.
21 "Kvâllens danserska", Stockholms-Tidningen, 17 februari 1925.
22 "Leila Bedr-Schan dansade", Svenska Dagbladet, 18 februari 1925.
23 "Teater och musik", Dagens Nyheter, 18 februari 1925.
24 "Prinsessan av Kurdistan", Aftonbladet, 20 februari 1926.
25 "Kurdisk prinsessa som danserska i Paris", Hvar 8 Dag, nr 14/1927.
.......................................
Fotos de Cantantes: Programa mano Teatro Bardelona c,1932 Danza- Aurea Sarra Leila Bederxan (Retratos Labarta ) - Foto 1 - 16544181
Fotos de Cantantes: Programa mano Teatro Bardelona c,1932 Danza- Aurea Sarra Leila Bederxan (Retratos Labarta ) - Foto 1 - 16544181
