Today's matinee features Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux which Balanchine began choreographing for Diana Adams and Jacques d’Amboise. However, the originators of the role ended up being Violette and Conrad who were the understudies. When Diana's foot became injured, Mr. B finished the rest of the ballet on Violette and Conrad. They had about 4 weeks of rehearsals. Conrad was only 6 months out of the army after having served in Korea! In an interview Conrad downplayed his dancing ability but expressed that his real talent was in anticipating what his partner would do. Violette explained: With other partners it was like having a “boyfriend” but with Conrad it was like having a “husband.” A very sweet way of explaining the reliability, connection and trust that he offered as a dance partner!
Violette Verdy and Conrad Ludlow. Photos by Fred Fehl, 1960
If you haven't, please watch the 26 minute interview Violette and Conrad gave about Tchai Pas through the Balanchine Foundation.
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