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

Cinderella Ballet Story

cinderella ballet story

Cinderella has been a popular story for over a hundred years, but it was only turned into a ballet after 1945, when Sergei Prokofiev finished writing the musical score.  The Cinderella Ballet Story has different versions, but the synopsis below is the most popular. Fredrick Ashton was the first person to stage a full-length Cinderella ballet … Read more

Scenes De Ballet – Another Ashton Masterpiece

scenes de ballet

Scenes de Ballet is a ballet in one act choreographed by Frederick Ashton. The music was written by Stravinsky and the decor done by Andre Beaurepaire who was a young Frenchman who was heavily influenced by Picasso. This ballet was first performed by Sadler’s Wells Ballet at Covent Garden on the 11th of February 1948. … Read more