Victoria Tennant, acclaimed actress and daughter of Russian prima ballerina Irina Baronova, is set to launch a new book on her late mother, Irina Baronova and the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, on Wednesday 10 December at the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Baronova is renowned as one of the iconic choreographer George Balanchine’s protégés, one of his Baby Ballerinas.
In conversation with dance archivist Jane Pritchard, Victoria Tennant will deliver a presentation on the book as well as showing previously unseen film footage of her mother, followed by a Q&A session and book signing. Tickets are available at £15 for non-members, £10 for RAD members and £7 for enrolled RAD students. Your ticket will include a glass of wine and the chance to buy a signed copy of the book at a greatly discounted price of £30 (RRP £38).
This sumptuous, illustrated history tells the story of Irina Baronova (1919–2008), prima ballerina for the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo and later for Ballet Theatre in New York. She was also Vice President of the RAD and was honoured with the QEII Coronation Award in 1996. Drawing on rare photographs, letters, correspondence, oral histories and interviews, Victoria Tennant warmly recounts her mother’s dramatic life.
The launch takes place from 7–8.30pm in the Genée studio at RAD headquarters, 36 Battersea Square, London SW11 3RA. To book your place at what is sure to be a fascinating event, promising to tell the story of one of ballet’s most glamorous stars, contact Sarah-Jane Lewis at [email protected] or call 020 7326 8051.