Pierre Vladimirov (1893-1970)
Many of the dancers who performed with the Ballets Russes did not become household names, but I have always said that every dancer who has appeared on a stage has in some way shaped the dance we enjoy today. It is hard to say why some names are remembered and others are lost in the archives. Perhaps it helps if you were involved in some scandal, or you died in a bizarre way!
Pierre Vladimirov graduated in 1911 from St. Petersburg's Imperial Ballet Academy. When Nijinsky left the Maryinsky Theatre Vladimirov took over his roles. During Vladimirov's 1912 and 1914 vacations from the Maryinsky he danced with Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. He became a principal soloist with the Maryinsky in 1915, and remained there until 1918, rejoining Diaghilev in 1921 to dance the prince in Sleeping Princess.
Vladimirov also toured with Tamara Karsavina, and in 1916-7 danced with the Mordkin Ballet. He joined Anna Pavlova's company in 1918 and was her partner until 1931. Coming to New York in 1934, he started teaching at the School of American Ballet, where he remained until his death. He was married to the dancer and teacher Felia Doubrovska.
(First published September 1995)