Senia Russakoff
Senia Russakoff Alexander (September 26, 1891 - December 29, 1981) was a Russian
dancer and teacher
.
Biography
Russakoff grew up in
Russian Revolution he danced in various theaters in Copenhagen, then came to the United States in 1907 where he joined the Keith-Albee-Orpheum vaudeville circuits as a member of the Golden Troupe of Russian dancers. He also was a member of Anna Pavlova
's company until 1919.
Settling in
The Wizard Of Oz. American dancer/choreologist Richard Holden gained his first exposure to Russian folk and character styles from Russakoff.[2] Many dancers on tour in Boston visited his studio, known as the "school of leaps and bounds". It was first located in the Gainsborough Building across the street from New England Conservatory of Music
and finally at 431 Boylston Street where he taught along with his wife, Regina.
In 1926 he formed the Boston Ballet Concerto Company, the first of several ballet groups that he started, usually performing at
USO.[4]
References
- ^ The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, Valparaiso, Indiana June 27, 1973: "Still has 'Rubber Legs'" Retrieved December 9, 2008.
- ^ Richard Holden biography "Dancing on a Greyhound Bus" Description of Richard Holden's early classes with Senia Russakoff
- ^ Advertisement for an "Anna Karenina" performance in Jordan Hall appears on this archive page from 1940
- ^ Dance Magazine April 1982 "Transitions"