 Vera Volkova, a biography.
Author: Meinertz, Alexander Published: 2007 Vera Volkova was a unique figure in 20th century ballet. Brought up in Imperial St. Petersburg as one of the last 'brides of the Tsar', the Russian Revolution catapulted her into the world of ballet, where she studied intensely with the legendary pedagogue Agrippina Vaganova. Living at the centre of Russia's doomed intelligentsia as the chosen protégée of the controversial philosopher and critic Akim Volynsky, Volkova carried his secret legacy with her when she fled into exile in Shanghai in 1929. From this fount of knowledge, Volkova influenced the European ballet world for almost four decades as advisor, friend, and above all teacher to iconic figures from dancers Margot Fonteyn, Erik Bruhn and Rudolf Nureyev to choreographers Sir Frederick Ashton and John Neumeier. But perhaps her most important and controversial contribution was the work she did with the Royal Danish Ballet, reviving and transforming the moribund company and its distinctive Bournonville style of dancing. Invitations to teach in the USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa further extended her teaching. But, enigmatic, self-effacing and intensely private, her story remained a well-kept secret until the publication of this biography, which reveals Volkova's life and explains her singular vision of dance. |
