Most of the time, when something is created, its creator hopes it will be well received. A common trope in media features creators spiralling downwards after their work receives negative reception. On the other hand, it's also common in media for works to receive rapturous applause, and a standing ovation. These tropes are on extreme … Continue reading Audience Reception: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Mariinsky Ballet
Forgotten Ballets: Fiammetta, 1864
A slightly earlier contemporary to Marius Petipa was Arthur Saint-Léon. Preceding Petipa in the role of Maître de ballet of the Imperial Ballet, Saint-Léon arrived in Saint Petersburg in 1859, holding his post for 10 years. During that time he'd create and stage ballets for the company, and one of them, was 1864's Fiammetta, often … Continue reading Forgotten Ballets: Fiammetta, 1864
Spotlight On: Olga Preobrazhenskaya
The late 19th-early 20th century was the Golden Age of Russian Ballet, with the Imperial Ballet being at the centre of it. And, for the first time, the Russian Ballerina was equal. Mathilde Kschessinskaya had become the first Russian Ballerina to master the 32 fouettes, originally done by Italian Pierina Legnani, and we'd soon see … Continue reading Spotlight On: Olga Preobrazhenskaya
Taglioni in Saint Petersburg, 1837-1842
Marie Taglioni is credited with being the first dancer to truly dance en pointe. Born in Stockholm, Sweden to dancer and choreographer Filippo Taglioni and Swedish dancer Sophie Karsten, it was under her Father that she rigorously trained. Today she's most known for originating the title role in La Sylphide (1832), a ballet which utilised … Continue reading Taglioni in Saint Petersburg, 1837-1842
Spotlight On: Dauberval + La fille mal gardée
If you're familiar with ballet, you might know a ballet called La fille mal gardée. This ballet (the name translating to The Poorly Guarded Girl) is one of the oldest surviving ones, although not with it's original choreography, or music. What we know as La fille mal gardée can be traced back to other choreographers: … Continue reading Spotlight On: Dauberval + La fille mal gardée
Spotlight On: Tamara Karsavina
Tamara Karsavina is one of the greats. Her contributions to dance are undeniable, and a rather large amount of roles she created are still in repertoire. So what was her education and life like? Her memoir, Theatre Street, covers from her birth in 1885, to the year 1918. Her main focus is on her career. … Continue reading Spotlight On: Tamara Karsavina
Madeleine's Stage 