Dame Alicia Markova

In this clip the legendary ballerina Dame Alicia Markova does the famous variation from the first act of Giselle. This clip is from 1951.

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• dame
• alicia
• markova
• giselle

[cubanmiamiboy]

That's why when one see the current production of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba it still has this charming vintage aura. Thank God Mme. Alonso has preserved that beautiful diagonal from Spessivtzeva's solo, via Markova-(instead of the nonsensed current substitution for that series of piques). Yes, VIVA MARKOVA!

[goldenidol]

There is a clip on here of Tamara Rojo doing this variation with a Cuban Ballet Company. Her series of turns at the end is too beautiful!

[tutugirl4life]

She IS number one

[tairanotomomori]

Wow...how light...how graceful!! Isn't she better than Fonteyn?? I've seen quite a few clips of Margot Fonteyn but I could never get her.But THIS I can get. How come she's not more celebrated than Fonteyn??

[WilesWales]

Markova danced as she were the music itself. My uncle partnered Dame Alicia Markova (she became "Dame" in 1961. My grandmother, who made all the costumes for the Tampa Civic Ballet, which my uncle formed after returning home after being with Ballet Theatre or five years, and then with the Original Ballet Russe under Sal Hurock, all visited my uncle in NYC twice said this. After seeing it I agree 100%. I have a picture of my uncle with Alicia (Lillian Alice Marks) on my wall in my bedroom!

[goldenidol]

@cubanmiamiboy That is fascinating! This particular version of the variation is rarely performed. I have been disappointed when I see a gorgeously danced variation end with the pique turns around the stage. I will do more research on the dancers you mentioned. I didn't know very much about this particular version apart from Spessivtzeva, Alonso, and Markova performing it.  I posted this about 4 years ago and have since then learned more about this variation..

[cubanmiamiboy]

@goldenidol Actually, this variation is a little older than that.  It goes back to 1887, when Petipa revived the ballet. The music is probably by Drigo. There are divided opinions as who performed it back then, being the British Emma Bessone and the Italian Elena Cornalba the two possible candidates.

[cubanmiamiboy]

@goldenidol Yes...I've seen that clip. Of course, if you dare to dance the role in Havana, you have to do it Markova style..! (At the end, she was Alonso's idol...)

[MrBalletballet]

@tutugirl4life after Alonso

[jgh37]

EXQUISITE.