01 work, PORTRAIT OF A LADY, with Footnotes. #92

Unknown

Anna Pavlova

Silver print

24 cm by 18 cm

Private collection

Anna Pavlovna (Matveyevna) Pavlova (Russian: February 12 1881 — January 23, 1931) was a Russian prima ballerina of the late 19th and the early 20th centuries. She was a principal artist of the Imperial Russian Ballet and the Ballets Russes of Sergei Diaghilev. Pavlova is most recognized for her creation of the role of The Dying Swan and, with her own company, became the first ballerina to tour around the world. She toured South America, India and Australia.

Pavlova's years of training were difficult. Classical ballet did not come easily to her. Her severely arched feet, thin ankles, and long limbs clashed with the small, compact body favoured for the ballerina of the time. Undeterred, Pavlova trained to improve her technique. She took extra lessons from the noted teachers of the day.

During her final year at the Imperial Ballet School, she performed many roles with the principal company. She graduated in 1899 at age 18, and chosen to enter the Imperial Ballet. 

Pavlova rose through the ranks quickly, becoming a favorite of the old maestro Petipa. She was named danseuse in 1902, première danseuse in 1905, and finally prima ballerina in 1906 after a resounding performance in Giselle. 

While touring in The Hague, Pavlova was told that she had pneumonia and required an operation. She was also told that she would never be able to dance again if she went ahead with it. She refused to have the surgery, saying "If I can't dance then I'd rather be dead." She died of pleurisy, three weeks short of her 50th birthday. More on Anna Pavlova

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