Olga Spessivtzeva & Sir Anton Dolin in Giselle

Sir Anton and Spessivtzeva discuss dancing the roles of Giselle and Albrecht. The footage of them dancing is from 1932. Spessivtzeva had suffered a nervous breakdown earlier and is probably medicated here (not while she is dancing!). She passed away in 1991.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• spessivzeva
• dolin
• giselle
• ballet

[5670gemini]

Have you got more of this...presumably you have a copy of the 1962 BBC documentary The sleeping ballerina?

[goldenidol]

Unfortunately, I do not have a copy of that documentary. I have been searching for it like mad since I heard of its existence. I was fortunate to find a copy of Anton Dolin's book, "The Sleeping Ballerina" about Spessivtzeva though.

[5670gemini]

I too have the book - have you got the copy of the Three Graces (Pavlova, Spessivtzeva and Karsavina) buy Serge Lifar? I got a copy on Amazon.

But but how did you get this footage?

[goldenidol]

I was able to get a 1st edition copy of the book. The dust jacket is too lovely! I have not had the chance to read it. The footage is from a documentary of tghe greatest Giselles (up to the late 1970's!).

[jkircher314]

This is really wonderful. Not just because it's so touching, but to have a chance to see such a sublime artist - very rare. So expressive, so youthful and brimming with life and grace. And there's such animation and bounciness to her dancing!

Joyous, lively, adorable, lovable!

Her technique is exquisite, of course, but the soul that is radiating through the dance is what is, for me, so touching. Can there be a more moving Giselle?

Thank you so much - better than I could have dreamt.

[katerinavander]

I am still marvelling at this - she is so wholehearted, it's like watching the sun come out.

[ajazhuzhu]

Thank you for video!

[CedricsMom]

This was on A&E back in the day when it was all about arts and entertainment. SO glad to have a copy of this documentary on VCR. They need to transfer it to DVD. it really is a wonderful documentary.

[zamyrabyrd]

It's like she is dancing on air - melodious!

[deritpeehs]

her dancing is quite modern in look.....

[tasteism]

Thanks for this wonderful video. I had read about her in Grolier International Encyclopedia and wished to see her dance. I have never seen a more graceful dancer. A very valuable document this video.

[Kievest]

A rare, precious and priceless treasure to behold! Glorious to actually see the

subject of myth and legend dazzle us before our unbelieving eyes! For OS,

technique was merely a means to a greater end...expressive and perceptive

artistry, communicating the innocent but vibrant spirit of her character, deeply

touching the audience with a gesture or a look, using her entire persona in

conjunction with her great partner, to deliver an unforgettable, transforming

theatrical experience. TY!

[xoxNicKyLiiciOuSxox]

This is wonderful! No wonder why she's called 'The legendary ballerina'!

Does someone knows the name of the first song? is really beutiful!

[taurusbs]

Thank you very much for posting the legendary Spessivtseva.

Her career and personal story were amazing

[pohjoisessa]

so beautiful - thank you for sharing!:-)

[vstasov]

Stunning and priceless archive. Thank you.