RUSSIAN BALLET.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 31, 7 February 1939, Page 12

RUSSIAN BALLET.

Exotic Creations For Second Programme.

The second programme presented last night at His Majesty's' Theatre by the Russian Ballet was even more exotlc and colourful than the previous one, the audience being treated to ballets new to Xew Zealand.

The "Gods Go A-begging" was a cameo of charm. The stage in the subdued light made a colour scheme of blue and green and gave the necessary atmosphere of mystery. Riabouchniska and Roman Jasinky were contracted with the company by the simplicity and purity of their costumes. The blackamoor servants in their black silver studded costume®, trimmed with white ostrich feathers, gave a delightful touch of the grotesque. They were a decided contrast to the beautiful panniered frocks of the ladies and noblemen. Eater the ballerina danced in shimmering silver, finished with tiny rosebuds, which also outlined the filmy ca|»e which floated from her shoulder straps at the back. "Scheherazade." The costumes were magnificent for this ballet, Grigorieva, in the part of Zobride, wearing a fitting top and pantaloons of exquisite shades of turquoise, rose and gold embroideries encrusted with jewels and pearls over a gold lame. Ropes of f»earls were festooned from the short sleeves, and the striking headdress consisted of a white plumed cap banded with rose pii.k brocade embossed in pearls. A design of rich gold and blue, further enriched with gold brocade, defined the white muslin paladin and completed a costume outstanding in effect and originality. "Aurora's Wedding." A riot of colouring and movement characterised the scenes in "Aurora's Wedding," which presented indescribable effects in artistry of dressing. From pastel pink tones to vivid hues the costumes ranged in marvellous variations, and the blue birds in their exquisite creations aroused a furore of admiriqg comment. An ensemble of beauty was the picturesque mazurka, the dancers looking exceptionally charming in their period frocks of black stiffened taffeta embossed in pink roses over skirts of many shades of pink tulle. Their partners were attired in accordance with the colour design.