RUSSIAN BALLET

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1939, Page 2

RUSSIAN BALLET

MASTERTON SEASON. The Covent Garden Russian Ballet will stage a two-nights’ season at the Opera House, Masterton, on Friday and Saturday next. The box plans for the season are open at W. G. Perry’s. Intending patrons are urged to make early reservations, as crowded houses have been the rule everywhere. The tour is under the direction of Maurice Ralph. Masterton is fortunate in being offered a dazzling repertoire, in which every phase of the company’s amazing technique will be given full scope. Among the many elaborate and spectacular ballets to be presented are “Spectre de la Rose,” “Sylphides,” “Carnaval,” and excerpts from the magnifificent “Aurora’s Wedding,” together with traditional, national and folk dances, all magnificently costumed. Among the principals are several famous names, including Valery Shaeosky, celebrated male dancer and choregrapher. Shaeosky is a rarity who can interpret romantic roles to perfection, and no dancer today has a greater range. Raissa Kousnetzova, world-famous premiere ballerina, has exceptional beauty. Her’ interpretation of the glamorous Chiarina in “Carnaval” alone places her in the forefront of contemporary dancers. Eduard Sobishevski, celebrated male dancer and dazzling technician, is a major figure in the history of the ballet. Mdlle. Orlova, celebrated premiere ballerina, is unique among the young Russian dancers. “Light as Orlova” has become a proverb in dancing circles. Feodor Pellach, from the Odessa Opera House, has travelled with Anna I'avlova.