The Ballet Russe Videos

Newly digitized dance videos and films available on-site at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts include:

February 2, 1954 marks the 59th anniversary of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Wasn't the ballet presented in December? No, you are wrong. It was first unveiled by the New York City Ballet in 1954 for a few performances. It proved so popular that the company presented the ballet for an extended December run in 1954. It's been like that to this day.

Maria Tallchief, the first Native American to win acclaim as a prima ballerina, was born on January 24, 1925. While she worked with many companies and choreographers, she is most renowned for her collaboration with George Balanchine, first at the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and then, most importantly and famously, at the New York City Ballet. She was married to Balanchine from 1946 until 1952, when the marriage was annulled. Despite this interruption in their private lives they continued their professional association.

On this date in 1898 Raymonda premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. The production had music by Alexander Glazunov, choreography by Marius Petipa and an all star cast (for its day) that included Pierina Legnani, Sergey Legat, Olga Peobrajenska and Pavel Gerdt.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company will welcome to its stage puppeteer Basil Twist and his production of Petrushka, which will run at STC's Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th Street NW) from March 16-25, 2012. This limited engagement is part of STC's and its Artistic Director Michael Kahn's 25th Anniversary Season.