Openly English: Phyllis Bedells and the birth of British ballet

Article Abstract:

Phyllis Bedells helped make classical British ballet succeed during the early 19th century, while her compatriots were gaining recognition under adopted French and Russian names. Bedells started dancing at the age of 13 at the Empire theater in London. Because of the success of Russian dancing troupes, Bedells was pressured by impresarios to adopt a Russian name. P.J.S. Richardson, editor of 'The Dancing Times,' used his influence to publicize Bedells' English origins and her status as the premiere dansuese of the Empire.

United Kingdom, Biography, Popular culture, Ballet dancers, Bedells, Phyllis

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'Freedom incarnate': Jerome Robbins, Gene Kelly, and the dancing sailor as an icon of American values in World War II

Article Abstract:

This article examines portrayals of World War II American sailors in ballets and motion pictures, focusing on the works of choreographer Jerome Robbins and Gene Kelly. Issues include depictions of soldiers' carefree and easy movements, American's as subjects in dance, the use of sailors in movies especially as 'pals' or 'buddies' in groups of three or more, the permissiblity allowed by the sailor's uniform and the public image of him as a cultural hero.

Political aspects, Portrayals, Criticism and interpretation, Dancing, Dance, Motion pictures, Movies, World War II, 1939-1945, Propaganda, Sailors, Social values, Kelly, Gene

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"Ballet for Jerry": three letters from Jerome Robbins to Ned Rorem

Article Abstract:

This article reprints letters between choreographer Jerome Robbins and composer Ned Rorem in the early 1950s. Their personal and professional relationships, attempt at collaboration, and Robbins's working life are discussed.

History, Records and correspondence, Dance production, Dancers

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