Yegorova [Egorova], Lubov. (1880 - 1972)

Large Signed Photograph in "The Sleeping Princess"

Rare large format original Bassano Ltd. of London sepia silver gelatin photograph of the celebrated Russian Empire ballerina who danced with the Imperial Ballet and the Ballets Russes. A striking image in the role of Aurora in the 1921-22 London Diaghilev Ballets Russes production of The Sleeping Princess, signed and inscribed in blue ink to the mount in Russian and dated 5-2-22, Alhambra [popular theatre and music hall which dominated the ballet scene during this period, located on the east side of Leicester Square], London.  The photograph 5.6 x 7.6 inches [14.2 x 19.5 cm], overall 10 x 14.5 inches [25.5 x 37 cm]. Lights creasing to mount edges, overall very fine. 

The Sleeping Princess (La Belle au bois dormant) was staged by Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes at the Alhambra Theatre, Leicester Square, London, on 2 November 1921 and ran until 4 February 1922, the day prior to the present inscription. It was based on the choreography of Marius Petipa's 1890 production which was reproduced by Serguyev to music by Piotr Tchaikovsky. New additions were made to the ballet choreographed by Bronislava Nijinska and the whole production was designed by Leon Bakst.  Yegorova alternated the role of Aurora with Olga Spessivtseva. 

A student at the Imperial Theatre School in St. Petersburg with Ekaterina Vazem, Enrico Cecchetti and Anna Johansson, she became a ballerina in 1914 in the Imperial Ballet at Maryinsky Theatre.  A role as Myrtha in Giselle brought her to the attention of Sergei Diaghilev who first cast her in the role of Princess Florine in The Sleeping Beauty in 1918, where she danced with Vaslav Nijinsky. Later she taught as head of the Ballet Russe school in Paris from 1923-1968, and founded the Ballets de la Jeunesse company in 1937. She received the Chevalier de l'Ordre des arts et lettres in 1964. Her many notable students included Serge Lifar, Anton Dolin, Yvonne Mounsey, Catherine Littlefield, and Zelda Fitzgerald.  (21561)
Dance
Signed Photograph