Serge Lifar - Teaching

A pupil of Bronislava Nijinska, Serge Lifar was the last important permier danseur of the Ballets Russes of Serge de Diaghilev.

He joined the company in 1923 and worked with Enrico Cecchetti in Milan to improve a not at the time formidable technique.

For the Diaghilev company, he created leading roles in Leonide Massine's 'Zephyr et Flore' (1925), 'La Chatte' (1927) and in George Balanchine's 'Barabau' (1925). 'Apollon Musagete' (1928) and 'Le Fils Prodigue' (1929).

Lifar later worked in Paris, most notably creating the title role in 'Icare', and performing Albrecht in 'Giselle'.

He also worked as a choreographer and teacher.

The footage shows Lifar in this latter phase of his life.

Firstly, the dancer is seen in close-up, writing a document of some sort.

Then in conversation with French writer and philosopher Jean Cocteau.

After that he is filmed teaching a young ballerina, and then refining a pas de deux with two dancers.

Finally, Lifar coaches a male dancer in the title role of 'Icare'.

What's interesting about this last section of the footage is that Lifar demonstrates some of the porte de bras for the role - particularly where Icare dons his wire and gossamer wings.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Serge Lifar
• Ballets Russes
• Serge de Diaghilev
• ballet
• George Balanchine

[kabardinka1]

Who cares how he was as a dancer or teacher. He was a big time nazi collaborator and never should have been allowed to head the POB after the war. Read Jean Balibee's biography to find out what a bastard Lifar was.

[nickwallacesmith]

hi again kabardinka1 - thanks to the pointer to Jean Balibee's biography - do you have any idea why he got back so easily and without censure into the POB after the war?

[zzindorf]

Who is the woman in the chair? She seems to know something!

[nickwallacesmith]

hi zzindorf - yes, maybe she's the person who has the dance notation and makes sure what's being done is accurate?

[pediatrapaola]

mistery of ballet great dancer and teacher.WHY?

[nickwallacesmith]

hi pediatrapaola - i think it's the old adage 'if you can't do, teach' - and in a way it seems the thing your next qualified for, good to hear from you, nick

[zzindorf]

It is traditional for retired dancers to watch class from a chair as an honored guest, as well as anyone else who is considered worthy of the honor. Assuming they can behave properly.

[nickwallacesmith]

hi Lacasaquesesfumo - yes, lifar was not the greatest ballets russes dancer but obviously a decent human being - Olga Spessivtzeva in her interview with anton dolin in 'a portrait of giselle' said he was 'not bad ... not good'