MUST BE FIT

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 42, 13 November 1936, Page 14

MUST BE FIT

ONE of the celebrities among the mpm hers of the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet, now appearing under the J. C. Williamson Management at Melbourne, is Leon Woizikowsky, the maitre de ballet and leading male dancer of the organisation.

Anyone who thinks that the male ballet dancer is an effeminate person should meet Woizikowsky. Lithe, tanned and incredibly supple he is as fit as any prize-fighter.

He is a most likeable personality with a nimble wit and no affectations. In his dressing room yesterday he talked about his career and gave an insight into the personalities of the men who have made the modern ballet the art it is.

Leon is a Pole. In 1915 he joined the original Diaghileff company, and for 14 years worked under that master. During the period Woizikowsky introduced three ballets which are now known throughout the ballet world—“Petrouehka,” “Prince Ifor,’’ and “Ponchinelle.”

Woizikowsky is prodigal in the manner in which he expends his energy. But he is tireless. He claims to know every step in at least 50 ballets; not one role, but every one, and the work of the corps de ballet as well.