Anna Pavlova

Anna Pavlova is regarded as one of the best classical ballet dancers of her generation. She is well known for her creation of The Dying Swan and is a Russian ballet dancer who is still well-known today. Anna Pavlova began her training at the Imperial Ballet School when she was ten years old. Her lengthy limbs, sharply arched feet, and slender ankles were mocked at school since they contrasted with the petite and compact body form that dancers were favored for at the time. She received her diploma at the age of 18 and made her stage debut at the Mariinsky Theatre.

Anna Pavlova was also the first dancer to travel the globe. Due to her slender ankles, Pavlova strengthened her pointe shoes by putting a piece of firm leather on the sole for support. It is known as the shank, and it is the forerunner of current pointe shoes.

Born: February 12, 1881
Died: January 23, 1931
Aged: 49
Nationality: Russian