Borzoi

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ryUNDKevvsSfdYsu8

Well, the performance did not go on because the truck carrying the costumes and scenery was involved in an accident on the freeway. There were no human injuries, thank goodness, but the truck was damaged and would not be able to make it to the theatre in time for the performance. We arrived at the theatre, as per instructions, at 3:00 p.m.. Baby Pumpkin got loose in the parking garage (which gave us a minor heart attack), but he was retrieved without incident. We had to walk a couple of blocks to the theatre. A parade of two frazzled ladies with three giant Borzois is not something downtown Fort Pierce sees every day! We caused a couple of traffic jams and arrived at the theatre in time to see a group of beautiful young people (the dancers!) preparing to board a bus. They went crazy when they saw the dogs and one girl had tears in her eyes. My heart went out to them, as they were so far from home. They all wanted photos with the dogs, so we put their jeweled collars on them and had a field day snapping photos. It was an enjoyable afternoon and made up (somewhat) for the disappointment about the performance.

Was that Leonid Sarafanov? I think he does about 10 consecutive doubles if it is the clip I'm thinking of.

Here are several couples performing the fish dives. They aren't identified, but the third couple is Suzanne Farrell (and Baryshnikov, I think). Farrell looks like she is going to plummet into the floor, head first. The clip is from the movie "The Turning Point". I remember gasping when I saw the dives. She also keeps both legs nearly straight.

Thanks for removing! Will repost once I get permission from her. Hope to get photos of my own from backstage.

I will be helping a friend with her three Borzoi backstage at a performance of Giselle by the Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine on March 13. I'm hoping to get some decent photos (if allowed). Might be a circus, as one of the zois is a 10 month old puppy who thinks he is a kangaroo! I have visions of him jumping on the table where the Duke and Bathilde are enjoying their refreshments. Kidding! We'll have a tight hold on him. I will give a debriefing and post photos if I get any decent ones.

Just a word of caution to anyone outside the UK who might want to watch the episode without obtaining a VPN: I actually found a YouTube video advertised as: BBC Panorama The Dark Side of Ballet. When I clicked on it I got re-directed to a, shall we say, very offensive video. After I quickly backed out I received a "virus warning" that wanted me to click on a link to "fix" it. I quickly erased the search history and that seemed to take care of it. Think I'll just read the comments here instead!

I believe I know someone who was in this. She lives here in FL. Her name is Barbara McKinley. Someone you have already contacted may remember her. I don't think she has moved away. I'll see if I can get your info to her. Best of luck on your project!

Late to the party here, and this is a long shot, but I would bet that Viola Pantuso would make an incredible Stephanie. She must be insanely strong, yet gives the appearance of fragility and innocence. Her Rudolph could probably lift her with one hand. Maybe in the next run of Mayerling. I have thought for a good while that she is one to be watched. So good to see that she is getting some recognition.

For what it's worth, it sounded to my ears like the first two letters were "Di" and not "Du". If you could get in touch with the screenwriter he/she would probably be happy to tell you. This is the kind of thing that would wake me up at 2 o'clock in the morning. Good luck! Please post if you find out!

Always uncertainty when incorporating animals into stage productions! Here in the US Borzoi hounds are frequently used to lead in the hunting party in Act I of "Giselle". I imagine by now everyone has heard of the fiasco which took place several years ago when the San Francisco Ballet was doing their seasonal run of this ballet. The two stately white hounds (brother and sister) were overcome with passion and proceeded to act out their infatuation right there in front the 3000 + audience. I believe it was the Duke who led them off. I do have a video clip of that. It is hilarious and the audience got an unexpected belly laugh. The dancers carried on like the pros they were and act II supposedly went seamlessly (except for the muffled snorts of laughter which erupted from time to time).

Have you seen the YouTube clip of her rehearsing Mayerling with KM? I would post the link but not sure if it would be allowed.

Have not seen "White Swan Black Swan" by Adrienne Sharp mentioned yet. Still available on Amazon. Very interesting read. Fiction but well researched.

An old book but an excellent read: Dance to the Piper by Agnes DeMille. Think you can still find it on Amazon. Forgive me if it has already been mentioned.