Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Swan Lake Ballet & Anna Pavlova


Here is Anna Pavlova's tutu for the her role in Swan Lake, one of the most famous of all the fairy tale and folklore based ballets. This was displayed in a special exhibit in the Opéra de Paris Garnier in Paris. Of course, in the U.S. the opera house is perhaps most famous as the residence of the Phantom of the Opera, but it has hosted many famous performers and performances, including Pavlova. The costume was designed by Leon Bakst for her role as the white swan in 1905.

5 comments:

  1. The costume is stunning. I just love the ornate detail in old fashioned costumes. I wonder how much it weighs. It looks like to might be heavy to dance in.

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  2. Yes, it looks quite heavy. Another reason to admire her great skill...

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  3. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe this costume was for her famous portrayal of "The Dying Swan", choreographed for her by Mikhail Fokine in 1905. Source: Wikipedia and from books written about her.

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    1. Yes, that’s what I thought as well. Pavlova May have danced a key roll in Swan Lake, but her solo roll choreographed especially for her by Michael Fokine, is what made her a ballet icon. The solo cello music for Dying Swan is from”the Swan, Carnival of Animals” composed by French composer Camille Saint San. The ballet “Swan Lake” is a totally different ballet, with totally different music.

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  4. Yes, Anonymous is right. It's easily recognizable by the 'wound' in the breast of the costume, too...

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