petebowes

I’m researching the Australian tours of Ballet Russes and Ballet Romberg in the thirties and forties, hoping to find someone whose knowledge goes that far back. Thanks.

... another question: Are boot lasts still used in building ballet flats?

It is well documented that those responsible for travelling ballet companies in the 30’s and 40’s controlled their expenses with a steady hand, Colonel de Basil in particular. It was expensive enough for management to keep the costumes in good order. That being the case would it be usual if his dancers were asked to make and repair their own flats? In other words, carry all the equipment needed to make a flat as personal luggage. I would appreciate any assistance ... many thanks peteb

Pas de Quatre .. another question. How do you clean the inside of a ballet slippers of accumulated rosin?

The color of rosin is dictated by the time of year during which it is collected. If the resin is tapped in late winter or early spring, it will be gold or amber in color and hard when set up. As the seasons change to summer and fall, the color of the resin darkens and the consistency softens.

Pine rosin was used by ballet dancers in the early forties, it apparently was cheaper. The male dancer in question wore slippers and had feet that were stained brown.

Does the consistent use of powdered pine rosin stain feet brown?

Good morning, .. sixty nine years ago a man was found dead on an Adelaide beach, he was middle-aged, extremely fit, well-dressed but carried no identification. The post mortem examination showed he had highly developed calf muscles and it was remarked at the time he may have been a ballet dancer, in fact the Ballet Russes had toured Australia in the 30's and 40's but there is no record of any defections. There were also several items in a suitcase thought to be his that also pointed in the same direction. Given the times, would you expect a travelling dancer to make his own slippers, and what tools might he have needed? Many thanks pete