Introduction

Abstract This chapter briefly sketches Karsavina’s history as a leading ballerina at the Maryinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg at the end of the Russian Imperial era, and as one of the most important early contributors to the innovations wrought by Sergei Diaghilev and the artists of the Ballets Russes. The argument is presented that although Karsavina’s memoir, Theatre Street, has served as the primary source of information about Karsavina’s life and career, her extensive writings—both published and unpublished—warrant further examination. This biography examines Karsavina’s life story in light of her later career as teacher, coach, and, especially, as writer. Karsavina’s writings comprise a surprisingly substantial body of work and can be analyzed alongside her life story to better understand the development of her artistic and pedagogical philosophies.