[Ballet] Plisetskaya, Maya. (1925–2015) & Messerer, Asaf. (1903–1992) & Plisetsky, Azari. (b. 1937)
Signed Photograph of the Messerer/Plisetsky family in rehearsal
Incredible signed photograph of three members of the great Messerer/Plisetsky ballet dynasty rehearsing together, including Soviet ballerina and choreographer Maya Plisetskaya posing with her younger brother Azari and an unidentified second male dancer under the direction of Maya and Azari's uncle, Bolshoi ballet master Asaf Messerer. All four individuals have signed their names in black ink. Mounting remnants to verso, else in very fine condition. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm.).Maya and Azari Plisetsky came from a family of ballet royalty. Their uncle Asaf Messerer was a principal dancer and soloist with the Bolshoi for 33 years, before transitioning into a position as choreographer and dance master. "From Russia to Cuba, from London to America to Japan - the Messerers join up the world’s great ballet schools. In Moscow Asaf Messerer became the first great teacher, his nephew Azary Plisetsky flew off from Russia to shape the academic style of Alonso’s Cuban ballet, and in London another of Asaf’s nephews Mikhail Messerer transmits the pure Russian style of Asaf’s day to the international Royal Ballet troupe. Meanwhile Irek Mukhamedov, the Royal Ballet and Bolshoi superstar, owes his breakthrough to a third Asaf nephew, Naum Azarin-Messerer." (Ismene Brown, "The Messerer Dynasty," The Arts Desk)
From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications. (19415)
Signed Photograph Dance