Margrethe Schall

Anna Margrethe Schall (17 September 1775 – 24 November 1852) was a Danish ballerina. She was one of the most notable ballet dancers in Denmark at the turn of the 19th century.

Schall became a star of the Royal Danish Ballet under the leadership of Vincenzo Galeotti. She was not described as beautiful or technically skilful, but was rather admired for her swiftness and expressive mimique, the later of which made her perfect for the style of the Galeotti Ballet.

Career Illustration of Schall in Nina or the Lunatic of Love, 1860In 1798, Schall was appointed a solo dancer at the Royal Danish Ballet. Initially, she distinguished herself in comedic roles, becoming known as a "grotesque dancer", within comedy ballet. She eventually grew into more mature roles, such as Hertha in Lagertha (1811) and Isaura in Rolf Blaaskæg (1817). The leading role in Galeotti's play Nina or the Lunatic of Love was composed by Claus Schall (her brother-in-law) with her specifically in mind. When the play debuted in 1802 it was the greatest success of her career. The role so closely fit her abilities, that even when she performed it for the final time at the age of 49, critics noted that she was still able to convincingly play 16-year-old Nina.

In 1820, a young Hans Christian Andersen presented himself at Schall's doorstep, hoping to audition for a career on the stage. Her maid, initially believing that he was a beggar offered him change and asked him to be on his way. Eventually persuading the staff to give him an audience with Schall, he performed for her to little success. Believing him to be mad, she had him thrown out.

Following her retirement in 1827, she is said to have lived a quiet, philanthropic life.