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ALICIA MARKOVA by Anton Dolin

ALICIA MARKOVA

By

Pub Date: March 10th, 1953
Publisher: Hermitage House

This is an almost eye-witness account of a career for the author has been friend, dancing partner, one-time business partner and companion to the ballerina for many years and his loyalty to her and her artistry cannot be challenged. He tells of the high price of success as he pictures the lonely, secluded, hardworking years that brought her the right to the title of ballerina assoluta and he is close to the turning points in her life. Taught at Astafleva's studio, seized on by Diaghileff, at 14 she was touring in Europe, helpless in every way as her governess waited on her selfishly and slavishly, her isolation was increased by her English parentage and upbringing. Diaghileff developed her with further training, the British Ballet and Sadler's Wells continued her flowering. But there were low moments when she learned to and to cook and South American and American touring compensated for these. It's an interesting picture of a timid and dull girl becoming a glamorous and exciting personality, and Dolin colors it expertly. Definitely for the balletomane but also for the wider biography market.