Sunday Times 2
Young Russian dancers to rekindle memories of Anna Pavlova
View(s):Anna Pavlova, the name still resonates with lovers of dance. As a principal artist of Mariinsky Ballet, formerly known as the Imperial Russian Ballet, and the Ballet Russes, she gained the title of prima ballerina (the chief female dancer) due to her unconditional commitment and determination towards this form of art.
Anna Pavlova's legacy as the dying swan will live on
Born in 1881, Pavlova’s journey towards success was no fairy-tale, as she struggled with adapting to the classical ballet techniques due to the structure of her body and legs, earning several nicknames from her fellow students. Yet her perseverance was strong, as she practised day and night to develop skills, determined to master the art of ballet.
Her breakout role as a ballerina was in 1905, when she performed “The Dying Swan”, a short ballet of only four minutes, portraying the final moments of a swan before its death. Inspired by the poem, ‘The Dying Swan’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson and the real swans that she had seen in parks, her request for a solo was brought to life by the choreographic abilities of Michel Fokine. The solo performance, which she had performed for over a victorious number of 4,000 times is now an influence for modern adaptations of the “Swan Lake” as well.
Even after her death in 1931, the legacy of Anna Pavlova still remains alive in the world of ballet with young dancers in Russia particularly seeing her as an inspiration. An opportunity to see such talented dancers will be afforded to local ballet lovers as the Russian Centre in Colombo proudly presents, Russian Classical Ballet in Colombo, headed by Natalia Permyakova and her talented troupe of young ballerinas on March 30 and 31 at the Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre.
Tickets priced at Rs. 15,000 and Rs 10,000 are available at the Russian Centre, 10, Independence Avenue, Colombo 07, daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tel No: +94 11 2685440,
+94 11 2685429 or
email: colombo@ruscent.com
