Anna Pavlova (1881–1931) was one of the most iconic and influential ballerinas in history, widely regarded as the epitome of grace, expressiveness, and poetic movement in classical ballet. Born on February 12, 1881 (New Style; January 31 Old Style) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, she rose from humble beginnings to become a global superstar.
Early Life and Training
Coming from a poor family—her father died when she was young, and her mother worked as a laundress—Pavlova's passion for ballet ignited at age 9 when her mother took her to see The Sleeping Beauty at the Mariinsky Theatre. Despite initial rejection due to her frail, sickly physique (classmates mocked her as "the broom"), she was accepted into the prestigious Imperial Ballet School in 1891 at age 10. She trained under legendary teachers like Christian Johansson, Pavel Gerdt, and Enrico Cecchetti, graduating in 1899 and joining the Imperial Russian Ballet (now the Mariinsky).
Her unique style—ethereal, delicate, and emotionally charged—evoked the Romantic ballerinas of the 19th century rather than the more athletic technique emerging at the time.
Career Highlights
She became a prima ballerina at the Mariinsky by 1906.
In 1907–1909, she performed with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in Paris, appearing alongside stars like Vaslav Nijinsky.
Her most famous creation was The Dying Swan (1905), a solo choreographed by Michel Fokine to Camille Saint-Saëns' music from The Carnival of the Animals. This poignant piece, symbolizing fragility and beauty in death, became her signature and moved audiences worldwide to tears.
In 1913, she left the Ballets Russes to form her own company, touring extensively for nearly two decades. She was a pioneer as the first ballerina to bring classical ballet to global audiences, performing in places like South America, India, Mexico, Australia, and beyond—often in remote areas—helping popularize the art form internationally.
She gave over 4,000 performances between 1913 and 1930, blending classical repertoire with her own choreographed pieces.
Personal Life and Death
Pavlova married her manager, Victor Dandré, in 1914 (though they kept it private initially). She settled in London (her adopted home) and was known for her love of animals, including a famous pet swan.
Tragically, while touring in the Netherlands in 1931, she contracted pneumonia, which worsened into pleurisy. She died on January 23, 1931, at age 49 in The Hague—just weeks before her 50th birthday. Her last words reportedly included concern for her upcoming performance.
Legacy
Pavlova's influence endures she inspired generations of dancers, helped democratize ballet, and symbolized artistic dedication. The famous Pavlova dessert (meringue with cream and fruit) was named in her honor during her tours of Australia/New Zealand. Dance schools, societies, and companies bear her name today.