ANNA PAVLOVA LEARNED IN A HARD SCHOOL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17865, 5 June 1926, Page 22 (Supplement)

ANNA PAVLOVA LEARNED IN A HARD SCHOOL.

When Pavlova was ten. she entered the school of the Imperial Ballet at St Petersburg, and she describes it as “ a convent whence frivolity was banned and where merciless discipline reigned.” Some of the routine at the school is described in Pavlova's own words: “ Every morning at eight the solemn tolling of a big bell would put. an end to our sleep. We dressed under the. stern eyes of a governess, whose duty it was to see that all hands were kept perfectly clean, all nails in good trim and all teeth carefully washed. When we were ready, we went to prayers, which were sung by one of the older pupils in front of an ikon, underneath which .a tiny flickering lamp was burning like a little red star. At nine, breakfast—tea and bread and butter— was served, and immediately after the dancing lesson began. We were all gathered in a big room, very high and well lit. There was no furniture except

a few benches, a piano and enormous mirrors. Ihe walls were decorated with portraits of Russia's sovereigns. After the small novices’ lessons, the older, more advanced pupils had their turn, and the beginners withdrew to another room, where they pursued their work. At twelve the bell rang for lunch, after which we were taken out for a walk. Then more exercises until four o’clock, and then dinner. After dinner we enjoyed a period of leisure. Then came fencing lessons and, from time to time, rehearsals ■of dances which were to be performed on the stage of the Marinskv Theatre. When we children had to appear in a ballet, we were taken in great, well closed cars. Supper used to be at eight, and an flour later we were sent to bed On feast days we were taken to one of the Imperial theatres. at times to the Theatre Michel to see French plays performed by the French artists belonging to the Imperial Company. The most exciting days in our well ordered life were those when the Emperor paid a visit to the school. In those times the Imperial family used to mark their interest in the school by frequent visits. And then, to please the Empress, the children would perform a ballet on the school’s little stage.”