Very nice to meet you Lisa!
I don't recall reading of Pavlova's tour(s) to Australia. Maybe I should refresh myself on her interesting life.
I've been to Hamstead where I believe she lived but I was not able to see her home. I studied with Murial Stuart, a student of hers when I attended School of American Ballet (New York City Ballet's school,) and I was able to watch Elizabeth Schooling, who danced with Pavlova's company, stage 'L'Apre Midi D' Un Faune' for The Joffrey Ballet. Nureyev performed the Nijinsky role.
I've been to Sydney and loved my stay in your country.
Dinner with Dame Alicia was very nice.
There were other dancers there as well.
A very good friend of mine was her sponsor in the US.
We had dinner and then went to see NYCB - Nutcracker.
I had the honor of accompanying Dame Alicia to her hotel after the performance.
I mostly remember being thrilled that she remembered Tommy, my teacher with fondness.
There is a funny story about Alicia Markova.
When she became the Director of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, she was being introduced to the various departments as Madame Markova. She finally said: 'Call me Dame Alicia. It's not what I want but it is what the Queen wants.'
