What Is Dark Elegies Ballet All About?

dark elegies

Dark Elegies is a ballet in two scenes. Tudor did the Libretto and the choreography and the music was composed by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) to Cycle Kindertotenlieder (“Songs on the Death of Children”). Nadia Benoit did the scenery and costumes. The first Performance Cast to do this ballet were Peggy van Praagh, Maude Lloyd, Antony … Read more

Who Is Antony Tudor?

Antony Tudor

You are probably wondering who Antony Tudor is, and why is there an article about him on this website for dancers. He was a major creative figure who exerted decisive influence on both sides of the Atlantic when it came to his choreographic skills, but sadly, very few of his ballets are still staged today. … Read more

Famous Male Ballet Dancer – Gary Burne

Gary Burne

Gary Burne, the famous male ballet dancer was born Algernon De Blois Hayes-Hill in 1932. Born in Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe, the famous male ballet dancer’s journey began at an early age, thanks to his grandmother. It was she who ignited the flame of passion within him, clandestinely whisking him away to Elaine Archibald’s … Read more

Phyllis Spira – Our Own South African Ballerina

phyllis spira

Ever since she began her dancing career, Phyllis Spira has been compared to legendary ballerinas such as Alicia Markova and Margot Fonteyn. It is said that she had the qualities of both these great dancers, but she still remains uniquely and totally herself. Phyllis Spira danced with such impeccable style, grace, and strength that she … Read more

Monotones Ballet – Another Ashton Masterpiece!

monotones ballet

Well there were actually two Monotones Ballets. Monotones Ballet I was a ballet done in one act. It was choreographed by Frederick Ashton and the music was Satie Trois Gnossiennes by Lanchbery. It was first performed by the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden on the 25th of April 1966. The dancers were Antoinette Sibley, Geogina … Read more

Dame Beryl Grey Ballerina ‘Of Note’

beryl grey ballerina

There was absolutely nothing grey about Beryl Grey Ballerina of yesteryear as she has made such an impact on British Ballet over the years. She was born in 1927 and apparently still had her ebony hair well into her old age. She was elegant and had the most beautiful lines when she danced. She died … Read more

La Fille Mal Gardee Ballet

la fille mal gardée ballet

La Fille Mal Gardee Ballet is one of my favourites. It is light-hearted and funny, and one of those ballets that I could watch again and again. This post may contain affiliate links. The literal translation for La Fille Mal Gardee means ‘The Wayward Daughter.’ Some of the first productions of this ballet were known … Read more