GENEE AND THE RUSSIAN DANCERS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1889, 18 October 1913, Page 7

GENEE AND THE RUSSIAN DANCERS.

When Geneo, tho world's greatest dancer, supported by the Russian Imperial, Ballet from St.. Petersburg, is in Wellington, the opportunity will be presented for tho first time in this city of-witnessing- tho truo type of classical ballet.. This type, it is said, differs from the ordinary form of tho ballet, as a rose from a lily—they aro both flow--ers, but of different varieties, and wide apart. The truo classical ballet is in the form of a story without words—the dancing, costumes, scenery, and actions of those taking part all helping to tell tho story; and the motif is as easy to nndorstand as if it were transposed into speech. Some of Genco's famous ballets will include "Coppelia," "Tho Arabian Nights," and "Les Sylpliidos," exactly as they have been presented recently atl the Metropolitan- Opera House, Now York. "Coppelia" could be rightly described as a two-act comedy, full or tho quaintest humour, and telling a well-sustained and interesting story. "Arabian Nights" is a different vein, being a tragic desert romance, in one act, nnd depicting in tho most vivid fashion a stor,y of love, hatred, and rovonge. "Les'Sylpliidos" is the truo type of the old-time classio ballet, tho dancers being dressed in long floating skirts of snow tulle, and is intended to be tho realisation of the dream of Chopin that passed beforo his mental vision as ho was composing tho music which' accompanies tlio ballet, including tho fampus "Nocturne" and "Prelude."

Goneo, together with 11. Volinin, the famous Russian dancer, Mdlle. Halina Schmols. premiere danseuso from the Imperial Opera, St. Petersburg. Mdlle. Vlasta Novonta, and the Imperial Russian Ballet, numbering over 70 artists, will make their first appearance in Wellington at tho Opera House, under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., on Saturday evening next, tho season being limited to seven niglvEs and a matineo. Tho box plans for the season will bo opened at the Dresden on Wednesday morning.