THE RUSSIAN BALLET

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22656, 10 March 1939, Page 5

THE RUSSIAN BALLET

Presenting the most eminent figures to the world of ballet, the Covent Garden Russian Ballet, now at the Theatre Royal, Is creating a hbsL of new balletomanes in Christchurch. The company is notable not only for the inclusion of such notable, dancers as Inna Baronova, Tatiana RiabouchinJka, Dolin, Lichine, and Petroft, but because Michel Fokine, the worldfamous choreographer, is personally supervising his own ballets. In addition. the orchestra is conducted by Antal Dorati.

Inna Baronova, who made her first appearance in Christchurch in “The Swan Lake,” has been hailed in innumerable books and articles as the inost accomplished, the most versatile, ballerina of her day. She excels in Joe pure classicism of “Swan Lake," the romanticism of “Les Sylphides,” or the rich humour of the vamp in a ballet such as “Union Pacific.” Irina Baronova was born in Russia during .the revolution, but was educated in Rumania, where her parents were forced to emigrate. She went to Paris age of. eight years and. joined •«e school ot the great Russian ballerina, Olga Preobrajenska.

She was an original member of the company, ijfoining at the unprcedented early agpWj 13 years. After less than six morjj ? the corps de ballet, she Wap seiAf A as premiere danseuse. bhtl on the first night of the company’s first London season, she danced the leading role in “Les Sylphides” and Les Presages,” which she created. Since then her progress as an artiste bas been astonishing, setting a new. Jtandard for all contemporary dancers. 9“ Hie stage Irina Baronova is passionately fond of swimming. Tatiana Riabouchinska is unique Jroong the young Russian dancers in being the daughter of a dancer. She received her dancing education in Paris «i the studios of Volinine, and that great ballerina Kochossinska. She ®ade her debut with the late Nikita BaUeffs Chauve Souris, and immediately afterwards joined the Russian Ballet as a first dancer, creating Pnvolity in “Les Presages,” the child "1 “Jeaux d’Enfante,” and many other Jamous roles which have been danced Jfi Europe and America by no ■ one but herself. ■ Light as Riabouchinska” has become • proverb in dancing circles, but she Mds to that lightness a strong personalty and the ability to act movingly ■• all those who have seen her in vanroles will admit. ' The principal female dancers in the

Many Famous Personalities

company include Tamara Grigorieva, Sono Osata, Anna Volkova, and among the principal male dancers are Anton Dolir* David Lichine, Paul Petroff, Roman Jasirisky, and Yura Lazawsky. Each of the ballets is being presented v/ith the original London Covent Garden scenery, wardrobe, and lighting and other effects, and it is said that nothing approaching them in magnificence has been seen previously in New Zealand. The full symphony orchestra is under the direction of the famous conductor. Antal Dorati.