Stars of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Russian-born Alexandra Danilova (1903-1997) and Liverpool native Frederic Franklin (1914-2013) were known for their vibrant onstage personalities. Their partnership lasted from the mid-1940s until Danilova’s retirement in 1957, and encompassed appearances at the Pillow in 1946, 1948, and 1952. Choreographer Leonide Massine described Danilova as “like champagne on the stage,” and her artistry may also be enjoyed in a 1952 film of the Sugar Plum Fairy variation from The Nutcracker. Franklin continued to perform character roles with American Ballet Theatre well into his 90s and appeared in the celebrated 2005 film, Ballets Russes, as well as a 2012 documentary about the Pillow, Never Stand Still.
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