FAQ About Anna Pavlova

Anna Pavlova was a celebrated Russian prima ballerina famous for her work in the early 20th century. She was instrumental in popularizing ballet worldwide, particularly known for her role in the creation of 'The Dying Swan', which became her signature piece.

Anna Pavlova's most famous ballet performance is 'The Dying Swan', a solo choreographed for her by Michel Fokine in 1905. This performance is celebrated for its emotional depth and technical prowess, and it became synonymous with Pavlova.

Anna Pavlova made significant contributions to ballet by touring extensively worldwide, which helped popularize the art form outside of Europe and Russia. Her expressive technique and dedication to bringing ballet to global audiences significantly influenced the development of modern ballet.

Anna Pavlova was born on February 12, 1881, in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Anna Pavlova trained at the Imperial Ballet School in Saint Petersburg, Russia. She joined the Imperial Russian Ballet after graduating in 1899.

Anna Pavlova's signature role was 'The Dying Swan'. This performance became iconic and is often associated exclusively with her.

Yes, in 1911, Anna Pavlova formed her own ballet company, which allowed her to tour extensively across the globe. This was pivotal in promoting ballet to international audiences.

Anna Pavlova influenced future generations of dancers by setting standards in expressiveness and technical excellence in ballet. Her touring efforts helped inspire many young dancers worldwide to pursue ballet, thereby encouraging the global dissemination and evolution of the art form.

Anna Pavlova's style was noted for its grace and expressiveness. Unlike the more rigid forms of classic ballet of her time, Pavlova emphasized fluidity and emotional performance, which captivated audiences worldwide and set new artistic standards.

'The Dying Swan' is a short solo ballet choreographed by Michel Fokine specifically for Anna Pavlova. It is performed to the music of Camille Saint-Saëns's 'Le Cygne' from 'The Carnival of the Animals'. The piece showcases the final moments in the life of a swan and is a seminal work in Pavlova’s career.

Anna Pavlova died from pleurisy on January 23, 1931, in The Hague, Netherlands, during a tour in Europe.

Anna Pavlova is considered an icon in ballet history due to her pioneering efforts in popularizing ballet worldwide, her expressive and emotive performance style, and her role in breaking the boundaries of classical ballet presentation through extensive international tours.

Michel Fokine choreographed 'The Dying Swan' for Anna Pavlova in 1905.

Anna Pavlova's tours had a profound impact on the global perception of ballet by introducing and popularizing the art form in regions that were previously unfamiliar with it, such as North and South America, Asia, and Australia. Her performances helped establish ballet as a respected and admired international art form.

Anna Pavlova is buried in Golders Green Crematorium, London, England.

Michel Fokine was inspired to create 'The Dying Swan' for Anna Pavlova due to her exceptional expressive abilities and the fit of Camille Saint-Saëns's music with her performance style. The piece captures the swan’s graceful struggle with mortality, highlighting Pavlova's emotional depth and technical skills.

Yes, Anna Pavlova made several tours in the United States, starting in 1910, where she performed to great acclaim and significantly increased the popularity and appreciation of ballet in America.

Anna Pavlova was trained at the Imperial Ballet School and was initially part of the Imperial Russian Ballet, associated with the classic Russian ballet tradition. Her style, however, evolved to embrace a more expressive and emotive approach, which was less strictly classical.

Anna Pavlova's early life, marked by her modest upbringing and initial exposure to ballet at the age of eight, influenced her career by instilling a strong determination to succeed and excel in dance. This drive led her to endure rigorous training at the Imperial Ballet School and eventually redefine ballet's role on the global stage.

Critics generally lauded Anna Pavlova for her extraordinary grace, technical skill, and emotional expressiveness. Her performances were often described as enchanting and deeply moving, earning her the admiration of audiences and critiques alike, thus cementing her status as a legendary figure in ballet.