Like Mdlle. Pavlova, Mdlle. Balashova entered the school attached to the Imperial Theatre, Moscow, as a child, her parents being induced to send her there by the fact that she was always singing and dancing about the house, and gave evidence of the possession of a great gift for mimicry. In the school she remained for the regulation nine years, and distinguished herself as the laziest pupil there. So great, however, was her natural skill, that she got into the corps de ballet. Then she determined to achieve distinction, and so strenuously did she work that within twelve months the management entrusted her with solo roles, and within the short time of six years she was elevated to the position of a premiere danseuse. It is claimed for Mdlle. Balashova that she has the most remarkable feet and the highest instep of all the dancers in the ballet of the Imperial Theatre, and so wonderful is the conformation of her foot, and so strong are her muscles, that she could walk the whole day long, were it necessary, on her toes.

Mdlle. Balashova Dover Street Studios