Reminiscences of the Russian Ballet (Da Capo Series in Dance)

Rating:
Summary: A historical document of great value
Review: If you want to pay a visit to old St. Petersburg - do it in the company of Alexandre Benois and you will be amply rewarded. He evokes the refinement and culture of the city as it was then. The turn of the century city has little to do with today`s sprawling giant - one notes that with a twinge of nostalgia. A truly artistic family, the Benois, even to this day - his niece Nadia Benois was the mother of actor-writer-director Peter Ustinov. Benois tells of his collaboration with all the great names in ballet - Nijinsky - Diaghileff - Bakst. Benois was a theater designer of great importance and his influence was tremendous - he was responsible for the design of Giselle, Les Sylphides, La Valse, Graduation Ball etc. A truly fine volume, illustrations are both photos and drawings by the author. Benois has also written "Memoirs" (London 1960).oo