When Balanchine was 8 years old, he was an elf in a theatrical production of Midsummer at the Mikhailovsky Theater in Russia. Later, he played a bug in Petipa’s ballet production. As an adult, Balanchine could still recite portions of Shakespeare’s play in Russian. Balanchine knew it was important to give children performing opportunities like he had had when he was young. Not only does it give them experience learning choreography, rehearsing and being on stage, it also serves to show them what they can aspire to by working closely with the professional dancers of the company. (AND it boosts ticket sales when mom and dad come to every performance.)
All the photos in this post feature the cast of SAB students who played the bugs in the original cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream in 1962. Balanchine is shown in a white shirt and black tie, and ballet mistress Vida Brown is in the white dress. Photos are by Fred Fehl, from the Harry Ransom Center.
Comments