📚✨ Have you heard the story of the Kirov prima who abandoned her children and chose death over a life without dance? That haunting moment opens Maya and Natasha, a novel so meticulously researched and interwoven with real events that it feels like history itself.

Ballet and politics have always been entwined, but nowhere more than in the Soviet Union. This book takes you deep into that world—where devotion and betrayal collide onstage and off. Following two sisters raised in the legendary Vaganova school and Kirov Theater, their journey unfolds against a backdrop of iconic ballets (Serenade, War & Peace, Stoneflower), with appearances from Balanchine and other legends.

Author Dunham’s debut novel is a fast, gripping read—whether you're a ballet lover or just love a compelling story. And good news: we’ll be interviewing her later this week! Grab your copy at the link in our bio. 📖💃 @Mariner Books 📚

#Ballet #SovietBallet #HistoricalFiction #Bookstagram #booktok #balletbooks #ads #historyto

All about the development and dispersion of dance #ballet #balletdancer #learnontiktok #ballerina #director #creativedirector

Replying to @nennycakes Paris Opera Ballet Director Brigitte Lefèvre #balletvideos #balletclass #parisoperaballet #parisopera #operagarnier #balletdancer #historytok #ballettok #ballethistory #swanlake #sleepingbeauty #nureyev #sylvieguillem #balletteacher #danceteacher #learnontiktok

Louis Armstrong was not only a musical giant who transformed jazz through innovations like solo improvisation, scat singing, and trumpet techniques but was also instrumental in shaping the American ballet aesthetic and the broader cultural scene? Louis Armstrong’s impact on jazz is monumental, and one of his most significant contributions was altering the rhythm to introduce syncopation and swing. This rhythmic innovation became a signature of neoclassical ballet and later influenced contemporary ballet styles. (There are MANY voices that were a part of the birth of these dance styles but Armstrong was a HUGE part of this musical development overall.) His influence wasn’t limited to jazz or the United States, and his work significantly contributed to the rise of jazz scenes in France, Japan, and South America. Armstrong’s international tours were so influential that, during one visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1960, warring groups put down their weapons to hear him perform live, such was his magnetism and charm. The more you look the more you’ll see Black History is American history, across generations and cultural genres. Special thanks to my fav streaming service @marqueeartstv for their footage of Armstrong live in Australia 1964 concert. Do yourself a favor and subscribe for docs, dance, music, theater streaming heaven ! Right now 0.99 a MONTH through link in my bio. You are welcome 😉 🎶 @marqueeartstv

A true representation of the term “Neo Classical”, George Balanchine’s “Symphony in C” is one of the most beautiful works in the the Neo Classical canon, and it almost never came into being due to a lost score… But luck was on our side and Bizet’s manuscript was uncovered in 1933 and the ballet created and transformed from its original “Palais de Cristal” to the streamlined “Symphony in C”. It is a ballet that is at once modern and classic, opulent and restrained. You can find the entire ballet on MARQUEE TV (with Tiler Peck in the lead) alongside other Balanchine masterpieces including “Serenade”, “La Valse”, “Walpurgisnacht” and more. Subscribe for 0.99 a month for 3 months at the LINK IN BIO! @marqueeartstv #neoclassical #neoclassicalballet #Balanchine #newyorkcityballet #nycb #nycballet #bizet #ads #composer #parisoperaballet #marqueetv

The arts scene in the US had a MAJOR BOOST DURING THE COLD WAR thanks to US and USSR competition over everything from kitchen gadgets to moon landings 🌖. If you want to read more about this a personal favorite source is Jennifer Homans’ book “Apollo’s Angels” 😇 🩰 🖊️ 📖

THE most difficult of the classical rep: Swan Lake

Swan Lake notes #ballet #ballerina #ballettok

Where does the term “upstage someone” Come from?

Odette va Odile (Swan Lake characters) 🤍🖤 🦢

DANCERS ARE BEING STOLEN FROM #UNION #BALLET #ARTISTSUNION

Ballet super star Ashley Bouder is stepping down after 25 years onstage 🥹💫💫💫💫💫💫#ballerina #nycballet #primaballerina #balletdancer

Natalia Osipova in Ave Maria #ballerina #prima #ballettok

The great Italian Prima Ballerina Assolutta #ballerina #prima

Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella is a true gem of the ballet world, blending charm, wit, and classical elegance. First performed in 1948, this timeless production set to Prokofiev’s enchanting score captures the magic of the beloved fairy tale while showcasing Ashton’s signature lyricism and humor. Ashton’s choreography brings every character to life with depth and personality, from Cinderella’s tender grace to the hilarious antics of the Ugly Stepsisters—a comedic role he originally danced himself. With its dazzling ballroom scenes, intricate storytelling, and moments of heartfelt beauty, Cinderella remains a cornerstone of the classical ballet repertoire. You can watch the full show on my favorite streaming platform Marquee TV. Marquee has a brilliant list of classical and contemporary dance productions alongside theater, opera, documentaries and more. Subscribe at the link in the bio. Have you experienced its magic? ✨👠 @marqueeartstv #FrederickAshton #CinderellaBallet #BalletHeritage #TimelessArtistry #ads #danceislife

IT’S TECHNIQUE TUESDAY New series on YOUTUBE: Technique Through Time. We’ll take a look at how much this beloved art form has transformed through the bodies of the dancers, and through the specific lens of iconic roles, in particular Dying Swan & Sleeping Beauty. Join me on @thedancelens on YT for the full story 💫

New series on YOUTUBE: Technique Through Time PART 2. We’ll take a look at how much this beloved art form has transformed through the bodies of the dancer and through the specific lens of the iconic Sleeping Beauty. Join me on @thedancelens on YT for the full story 💫