Autograph Quotation in Dance Notation and Autograph Note

A short original quotation written in Stepanov dance notation by the Russian dancer and choreographer and signed below, together with a short autograph note in English, reading: "Return and I'll put it in Matisse book unless you want it elsewhere." Both written in pencil, slightly soiled and worn, but overall very good. 2.75 x 8.5 inches (7 x 21.5 cm) and 2.25 x 4.25 inches (5.7 x 10.7 cm).

The Stepanov system of dance notation, developed in the late nineteenth century by Vladimir Ivanovich Stepanov, was the first to break down movements into their anatomical components. Massine is particularly associated with the notation, which he learnt at the Imperial School of Ballet and continued to use throughout his career. "While in the last phase of his life Massine was active in staging revivals, he devoted much of his time to developing and teaching a theory of choreography. Following the structure of musical notation, he crafted a choreographic "score" wherein the harmonic elements of movement were observable. "Seeing" and experimenting with movement in this novel way was the last, exhilarating challenge of his rich creative life." (massine-ballet.com)

Leonide Massine studied at the Imperial Theater School in Moscow and later with teachers including Legat and Cecchetti. From 1915 to 1921, Massine was the principal choreographer of the Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, and after the departure of Vaslav Nijinsky, Massine became the preeminent male star and took over Nijinsky's roles. When Diaghilev died, Massine helped revitalize the world of ballet by his involvement with the Ballet Russe de Monte  (15321)

---

Signed Document/Item

AMQS

Dance

$275.00

• Add to Cart