WITH THE RUSSIAN BALLET

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20734, 18 February 1939, Page 17 (Supplement)

WITH THE RUSSIAN BALLET

BEHIND THE SCENES : IMPRESSIONS OF THE DANCERS

Behind scenes at the Russian Ballet there is an atmosphere of endeavour ®nrl of hard work. Any night before performance one may find several dancers practising on stage in their black tights, improving either new roles or technique: and this after a morning class and afternoon rehearsal. Irina Boronova impresses one with her sparkling sense of humour: she is often teasing and joking with Dolin or PetrolT whilst waiting in the wings to make an entrance.' Her husband is Sevastianov. Tatiana Riabouchinska is a great sport, always full of mischief, and popular with everybody. She likes her role in “Sylphides” most of all. Rebind scenes she does not keep still for one moment. Anton Dolin. alert, vital, rehearses constantly, and is tilled with the spirit of the Ballet. Fascinating Japanese-American ?ono Osatn. half Japanese-Ameriran, has a personal sort of glamour that is always manifest. She is one of the many dancers one can almost always find in the wings watching when she is not performing, taking and giving advice. in fact, the strongest impression one receives is the wonderful team spirit shown amongst the dancers. Sono Osato will probably become a ballerina one day if she continues to Improve her technique and fascinating, expressive characterisation. She has probably the highest develope (I.e. development of the leg either to front or side whilst balancing upon the remaining leg) in the company. Serge Ismailoff, who spends his spare time flying, finds our stages are not the best for dancers. “A stage of pine wood is the best for elevation.” Jie said.

Unspoilt and Friendly Roman Jasinsky. in spite of wide experience. is an unspoilt dancer and one of the most capable members of the company. Yura Lazovsky. who dances “Petrouehka” and other Massine roles. recently strained his ankle and had to lay iip for 10 days. Off stage he is quiet and friendly, but on stage he assumes a remarkably strong personality. Very consistent dancers who do their practise before performances are Lina Lerina (French and Natasha Sobinova Rosemary Devcson . Canadian. Lerina has been with this company for only six months. Pobinova performs brilliant fouetl-e pirouettes at her pracf'*o: if could watch her they would be thrilled. Doesn’t Miss a Thing tireless eye on performances and rehearsals and doesn’t miss a thing that happens on stage, if anything goes wrong during a performance one can be sure of hearing Grigorieff’s reprimanding voice afterwards. His son. Ysevelod Grigorieff, also on the executive of the company, has a manner that perhaps sets a standard throughout the ’ entire company that is. charming, courteous and always ready to serve the interests of ballet. The Spirit of Pavlova Always present, wandering from dancer to dancer enquiring and advising. is that wonderful gentleman, beloved of every dancer. Monsieur Victor Dandre, husband of the late Anna Pavlova, whose spirit permeates the Russian Ballet to-day.