Anna Pavlova Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Anna Pavlova was born on February 12, 1881, in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire. She was a Russian ballerina who became one of the most celebrated dancers of her time.

Pavlova trained at the Imperial Ballet School and graduated in 1899, joining the Mariinsky Ballet the same year. She was promoted to prima ballerina in 1906. One of Pavlova's most enduring contributions to ballet was her performance in The Dying Swan, a solo choreographed for her by Michel Fokine in 1905. The role became closely associated with her for the remainder of her career. She was also known for her interpretations of roles in traditional ballets such as Giselle, La Bayadère, and Coppélia.

In 1909, Pavlova joined Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes for its first season in Paris. She left the company soon after and formed her own touring troupe in 1911. Over the next two decades, she traveled extensively, performing across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.
Pavlova often adapted classical ballets to suit her personal style and the capabilities of her company, and she added various ethnic and character dances to her repertoire. She collaborated with artists, musicians, and choreographers throughout her career.
In addition to her stage performances, Pavlova appeared in a few early film projects, including a short silent film version of The Dying Swan.