RUSSIAN DANCERS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 234, 1 July 1939, Page 15

RUSSIAN DANCERS

Excerpts From Ballets BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT The group of Russian dancers who appeared in the concert chamber of the Town Hall, Wellington, last night, brought back pleasant memories of the recent Covent Garden Russian Ballet, with which they were associated during its tour of Australia and New Zealand. Though there is only a quartet of Russians, two couples, each of them Is skilled technically in the intricacies of the dance, and, moreover, they are people with distinct individualities, and have a sense of traditional ballet values, both in the rhythmic poetic measures executed to the music of the masters, and the whirling gyrations associated with the dances of a preLenin Russia. More particularly was it entertaining to see these clever people give excellent performances of those attractive dances which were presented with such allure by Baronova, Riabouchinska, and Anton Dolln only a few months ago. The programme opened with classical examples from “Les Sylphides," set to Chopin’s music, danced with grace by Raissa Kousnetzova and Valeri Shaevsky, both highly skilled in the execution of the traditional movements associated with this ballet. The lady was exceptionally attractive, dancing with a verve and grace entirely delightful. She had a gallant and dignified partner in Shaevsky. These dancers proved their artistic worth later In the romantic “Blue Bird” pas de deux from “Aurora’s Wedding” (Petipa’s ballet, for which Tschaikowsky composed the music), and also presented “The Spectre of the Rose,” that charming after-the-ball conceit, danced to the music of Weber’s “Invitation to the Waltz. ’ This was a highlight in the programme, and earned hearty applause. M. Edouard Sobichnevsky, in “The Matelots,” from a Massine ballet, added vim and a lively sense of houmour to his vigorous and clever dancing. He was also effervescent in a gay little interlude from “The Carnival” (Schumann’s music), which he danced with elan, in association with Petrucfie Orlova, who also displayed a strong sense of theatre in her work throughout the evening. One particularly lively pas de trois was the “Charach,” in which the men wore gay uniforms of a style associated with the Russia of midVictorian times. 'This was danced by Valeri Shaevsky, Eduard Sobichnevsky, and Petruche Orlova. The latter dancer was also seen in a tarantella, and a Spanish dance, both performed in gay costumes. A feature of the second half of the programme was the amusing and clever “Cat’s Dance” from Petipa’s famous ballet, “The Sleeping Princess.” Both Raissa Kousnetzova and Eduard Sobichnevsky entered comically into this burlesque of feline flirtation, causing much laughter and applause. Other dances on' the programme were “Tartar" (arranged and danced by Eduard Sobichnevsky); “Hussar” and “Waltz,” two allied dances of special merit (Valeri Shaevsky and Raissa Kousnetzova), a typical Russian dance; “The Two Ivans” (another bit from “Aurora’s Wedding”); “Football Dance”; and a colourful finale. The music was provided by M. F. Pellac, who also played several solos. To some 'of those present the appearance of the young Wellington dancer, John Turner, was of special Interest. This young man, a pupil of Miss Estelle Beere, has a shapely figure, a good carriage and is alert in action. In every way he showed the makings of a good dancer of the Russian ballet type. He danced to the music of the “Blue Danube” Waltz, and, with a partner, also contributed a lively mazurka, the music of which is incidental to the famous “Coppelia” ballet, presented here -by Adelines Ge.nee many years ago. He danced with bare legs. He would have been more in the picture had he worse fleshings, as did the other male dancers. However, John Turner and his partner, Lois Humphreys, had a very good reception. The Russian dancers, who are presented by Mr. Maurice Ralph, are to appear in the Concert Chamber for the next few evenings. Those interested in the rhythmic art cannot fail to enjoy the fare these gifted visitors present. ' ■/ —