The World Turned Upside Down, 1926–1940

Abstract In 1926, Karsavina danced in the Monte Carlo premiere of Nijinska’s Romeo and Juliet. Karsavina was disheartened: she thought the choreography weak and the surrealist sets baffling. At forty-one, nursing an injury, she did not harmonize with Diaghilev’s new star, Serge Lifar. Nearing retirement from the stage, she gladly participated in the Revue Intellectuelle by Donnay and Duvernois with composer Reynaldo Hahn. Her choreography for the 1927 Beethoven Centenary was another high point, although a serious injury at the work’s premiere proved a temporary setback. Agreeing to appear as a guest artist with her friend Marie Rambert’s fledgling ballet company delayed her plans for retirement, but channeled her into a role as beloved mentor to young British dancers. When Bruce became advisor to the National Bank of Hungary, Karsavina closed her ballet school and joined him in Budapest for several happy years until war erupted and they returned to London.