RUSSIAN BALLET

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 158, 1 April 1937, Page 8

RUSSIAN BALLET

New Programme To-night

Colonel de Basil’s Monte Carlo Russian Ballet continues to attract crowded houses at the New Opera House. The company of 110 artists appears in a repertoire in which every phase of their technique is given full scope. There will be a change of programme this evening, when three famous ballets will be featured: “Carnaval,” a pantomime ballet in one act; “The Fantastic Toy Shop,” and one of the most-discussed ballets of recent years —Massine’s “Les Presages,” which is danced to the music of Tsehaikowsky’s “Fifth Symphony.” The presentation of this piece 'will give Wellington a chance to decide for itself on this important question of symphonic ballet. With the entrance of Leon Woizikowsky in the title role, created by him. something unique will be witnessed, and Tebinarova’s action, which opens the work, is brilliant With her jet black hair, olive skin and aristocratically energetic movement, she calls to mind the thoroughbred. The beautiful Valentina Blinova, an artist with remarkable talent, will appear as Passion. Many other famous artists will appear in this ballet, including Valentin Froman, Vanda Grossen, Nina Golovina. “Carnaval” will be conducted by Ivan Clayton, and the other ballets. “Les Presages” and “The Fantastic Toy Shop,” by Jascha Horenstein. The cast for “Carnaval” includes Helene Kirsova, who has already won the hearts of New Zealanders, together with Nina Youchkevitch, Sonia Woizikowsky, Anna Skarpa, Roland Guerard (the famous “Blue Bird” in “Aurora’s Wedding”), Je_an Hoyer, brilliant stage director and character dancer, Valery Shaevsky, Thadee Slavinsky and Birger Bartholin, The cast in “The Fantastic Toy Shop” will include Nathalie Branitzka and Nina Raievska.

The third change of programme will take place on Monday night, when four famous ballets will be pr. tented, “Swan Lake,” “Midnight Sun,” “Port Said,” and “Prince Igor.” The farewell programme, which will commence next Thursday evening, includes “The Hundred Kisses,’’ “The Spectre of the Rose,” “School for Ballet,” and the popular “Beau Danube.”