[Dance] [Danilova, Alexandra. (1903–1997)] Smith, Lady Eleanor.
Ballerina. - INSCRIBED PRESENTATION COPY TO DANILOVA
London: Victor Gollancz Ltd.. 1932. First Edition. An interesting presentation copy of this amusing Romance novel about a ballerina who was "greater even then Pavlova was to be" who courts diplomats, royals and aristocrats, and which was the basis for the 1941 film titled "The Men In Her Life," starring Loretta Young and Conrad Veidt. Inscribed by the author on the front free endpate "For Madame Alexandra Danilova in admiration for a great artist. Eleanor Smith / 1933." 8vo. Dark blue cloth. 368 pp. Spine extremeties a little frayed/bumped, block of toning to the inscription page, otherwise very good.One of the most popular dancers of her time, Danilova was a star at St. Petersburg's Imperial Ballet, with the Ballets Russes under Sergei Diaghilev, and then with the Ballet Russe de Monto Carlo after Diaghilev's death. One of the greatest dancers of her time, she created numerous important Balanchine roles and was an important teacher at the School of American Ballet. When she died at the age of 93 in 1997, her will stipulated a number of bequests to individuals and institutions, and most of her correspondence, notebooks, artwork and memorabilia is now housed at the Library of Congress, Kent State University's Costume Museum, Ohio's Ursuline College and the New York Public Library. The present item is from the personal collection of one of her principal heirs. (11412)
Book Dance