RUSSIAN BALLET.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 44, 22 February 1937, Page 3

RUSSIAN BALLET.

WARDROBE OF 2000 COSTUMES. No fewer than 2000 costumes are worn l>y niembers of the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet, which in to start a New Zealand tour at His Majesty'« Theatre on Wednesday week, March 3. This phase of the production requires care and attention, and a special utaff of wardrobe assistant* is in charge of the costume department. Some of the most noted artist* in Kurppe have .designed the costumes. In all the company has more than 200 tona of scenery and effects, which includes reproductions of Diaj^hileft's original scenery, also special lighting and stage equipment. Over 00 tons of luggage und effects arrived by the Aorangi to-day, and the balance will come with the company, which is due to leave Sydney next Saturday by the Wanganella.

In addition to liia gift* an a dancer, Leon Woizikowsky, who head* the company, possesses a remarkable memory, which, in conjunction with his impeccable sense of music, haa raiaed him to hia present success aa a master of the ballet. He ha* been responsible for development of much young talent in London and Paris. He wag educated at the Waraaw Ballet School.

Mdlle. Helene Kiraova, prima ballerina, was bom in Denmark. The otber ballerina, Mile. Valentina Blinova, ru trained in the State Ballet School of Russia. and became the first ballerina of Colonpl de Basil's company. M. Jean Hoyer, brilliant stage manager and character dancer, speaks seven languages.