Throwback Thursday and Valentina Blinova
There are several photographs of
Valentina Blinova on the internet, but factual information about her life is scarce.
One source http://michellepotter.org/articles/valentina-blinova-an-unexpected-find
quotes Kathrine Sorley Walker as saying: “she was not trained at the
Imperial School in St Petersburg but was ‘the product of a course founded after
the Revolution in an attempt to reform teaching methods.”
Valentina Blinova moved to Germany after
her training and went on to dance in Monte Carlo. She soon established a
partnership with Valentin Froman and in 1936 traveled to Australia with de
Basil’s company.
Here is an article of the time (from the
same source quoted above) that describes a typical dancing day in the life of Valentina
Blinova:
“A typical day in the life of Valentina Blinova, one
of the principal dancers of Colonel de Basil’s Monte Carlo Russian Ballet.
Up at 8.30 in the morning. A cold shower, gymnastics
and physical exercises for twenty minutes. A cup of coffee with some toast for
“breakfast.” Then a brisk walk to the theatre. Practice. Then rehearsal till
quarter to one. Lunch comprising steak or other meat, salad, a sweet, no
alcoholic drink, no smoking. Back to the theatre for rehearsal at 2.30 or 3
o’clock until 5.30 or 6. Home for a rest. A cup of tea. Then if she is dancing
in the first ballet back at the theatre at 7 o’clock (no dinner). After the
performance supper comprising meat, salad and perhaps a glass of Australian
wine, which the principals of the Russian Ballet are very fond of. Then to bed.
This is Blinova’s daily routine, the only variation
being Sunday which is spent in the open air—in the hills or the bush or on the
beach.”
From the Big
Blue Book of Ballet Secrets
Dance History Factoid #141:
“Valentina Blinova was a dancer with the Ballet
Russes.
Link of the Day:
Quote of the Day:
“Reality
continues to ruin my life.”
― Bill Watterson, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
― Bill Watterson, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
Help
expand the knowledge base!
Leave
a comment about any instructions, ideas, or images that worked best for you!
My
latest books are coloring books! They are available on Amazon.
Want
to know more about me? Read my interview at Ballet Connections:
Or "Like" me on my
Facebook Author Page:
For interesting articles involving
mental health:
No comments:
Post a Comment