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The Ballets Russes in the Americas:
International Dance Conference
In conjunction with the 90th Anniversary Celebration of the Ballets Russes
16 - 19 September 1999
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Conseil International de la Danse/UNESCO/USA
Who
"The Ballets Russes in the Americas" organized by the CID/UNESCO/USA, co-sponsored by the Contemporary Arts Center and the New Orleans Ballet Association, in conjunction with the New Orleans Office of International Relations, the Arts Tourism Partnership of the New Orleans Office of Economic Development, and the USA International Ballet Competition/Jackson USA.
What
A four day conference on the influence of the various configurations of the Ballet Russe on the development of dance in the Americas. Also, a celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the Ballet Russe by Sergei Diaghilev, including a reunion of the surviving members of the Ballets Russes companies, a venture organized by Terry DeMari, BarbaraMcGinnis Arma, Yvonne Craig Aldrich, Gwenn Barker Harsh and Audrey Ross - former dancers
of the Sergei Denham Company.
Where
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA - at Loyola University, the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) and the Orpheum Theater.
Contact details:
Arts Tourism Partnership
225 Baronne Street, Suite 1712
New Orleans LA USA 70112
Telephone: 1-504-891-4770
FAX: 1-504-866-1635
E-Mail: Burkasc@aol.com
When
16 - 19 September 1999
Why
One can safely argue that there would be no dance companies or ballet schools in the Americas today were it not for the tireless tours of the various configurations of the Ballets Russes. The tours began in 1913 with the original (1909) company headed by impresario Sergei Diaghilev and ended with the final company, which survived until 1962.
The conference will explore the contributions of the Ballets Russes artists to the development of:
- Dance education in the Americas;
- The establishment of ballet companies in the Americas;
- Choreography and choreographers;
- Business entrepreneurship for women in the arts;
- Academic careers for artists;
- Roles for men in dance;
- Influence of ballet on Inter-American culture.
The conference will interview the handful of surviving Ballets Russes stars to document a priceless oral history of this unique dance phenomenon. The conference will be supplemented by panel discussions, performances of original choreography from the Ballets Russes repertoire, an open rehearsal and master classes. In addition, there will be a lecture-demonstration, films, an exhibit of Ballets Russes costumes and memorabilia and the presentation of the international Nijinsky Medal. The event will also mark the final reunion of surviving Ballets Russes artists.
Tentative Schedule
Thursday, 16 September
9 AM to 12 PM - Master Classes at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.
2 PM to 5 PM - Presentation of films of the Ballets Russes at the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center.
6 PM to 8 PM - Opening reception for the exhibit of Ballets Russes artwork, costumes and memorabilia at the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center.
Friday, 17 September
9 AM to 4:30 PM - Registration and panel discussions at Loyola University
8 PM - Performance at the New Orleans Orpheum Theatre followed by a reception to include the presentation of the Nijinsky Medal.
Saturday, 18 September
10 AM to 4 PM - Panel discussions at Loyola University
7 PM - Cocktails and dinner for the Ballets Russes alumnae, honored guests, conference personnel, donors, etc. (hotel location yet to be determined).
Sunday, 18 September
9 AM to 10:30 PM - Master classes in ballet at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.
10:45 AM to 12:45 PM - Lecture demonstrations at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.
Principal Participating Artists
Alicia Alonso
Cuban born prima ballerina, studied with Fokine, danced with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in 1940's and 1950's and with American Ballet Theatre. Founded Cuban National Ballet; continued dancing for many years despite near blindness. Major inspiration in Latin-American dance world. Beloved icon of both Cuban nationals and exiles.
Irina Baronova
One of the legendary "baby ballerinas". Born in Petrograd. Studied in Paris under the Mariinsky Ballerina Preobrajenska. Starred in Ballets Russes 1932-1944 in roles created for her by Balanchine, Massine and Lichine. Featured in Broadway musicals and films for MGM. Retired from stage in 1946. Currently, Vice President of Royal Academy of Dance in London.
Frederic Franklin
Director, teacher and premier danseur from 1938-1962. Partnered some of the world's prima ballerinas. Founded National Ballet of Washington. Created leading roles with Ballets Russes and other companies, including Stanley in Streetcar Named Desire for Slavenska-Franklin Company. Re-staged 19th Century classic Giselle set in Creole Louisiana for Dance Theater of Harlem.
Natalie Krassovska
Prima ballerina with Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo and London Festival Ballet. Studied with the legendary Preobrajenska and began career with Bronislava Nijinska. Toured South America with Lifar in 1934. One of the principal classical dancers of the Ballet Russe in France and in the USA. Currently, Director of Krassovska School of Ballet in Dallas, USA.
Moselyne Larkin
One of the renowned Native-American classical ballerinas. Pupil Mikhail Mordkin and Anotole Vilzak. Toured extensively in Latin America with original Ballet Russe 1941-1947. With Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo 1948-1952. With Alexandra Danilova's "Great Moments of Ballet" 1952-1954. With husband, Ballets Russes danseur Roman Jasinski, founder of Tulsa Ballet.
Tatiana Leskova
Brazilian, French born ballerina, ballet mistress and choreographer. Studied with Egorova, Kniaseff and Oboukhov. With the original Ballet Colonel de Brasil 1939-1945. Founded her own company and was later Ballerina and Director of Teatro Municipal, Brazil. Also, ballet mistress for Leonid Massine. Re-stages Fokine and Massine works in Europe and the Americas.
Nina Novak
Polish born prima ballerina. Studied in Warsaw and with Bronislava Nijinska. With Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, beginning in 1948. On the 1950's headed concert group of Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo for which she staged and re-staged ballets. Moved to Caracas, Venezuela where she is Artistic Director of the Fundacion Ballet Clasico de Camara.
Helen Trailine
French born prima ballerina. Pupil of Sedova and Egorova. Starred in Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas, and created roles for Bejart. Guest artist of Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo 1960-1962. Appeared in the USA, Central and South America. Founder Ballet de Nancy. Advisor to Paris Opera Ballet. Conseiller Artistique CID/UNESCO.
George Zortich
Russian born. Studied ballet with Petrof and Preobrajenska from Mariinsky Imperial Theatre. Danced with Pavlova's company. From 1936 Premier danseur noble with Colonel de Basil's Ballet Russe, Massine-Blum Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas. Rejoined Ballet Russe in 1957. Appeared in films. Teaches, coaches, re-stages. Retired Professor of University of Arizona.
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