Interpolation

Abstract Although little is known about Karsavina’s own choreography—she referred to herself as “arranging” movement rather than “choreographing” ballets—she acknowledged that she enjoyed the process of composing dances. Her extensive writings shed light on her choreographic values; especially important were elements including music, costumes, depth of character portrayal, and the inspiration of history. After describing what can be known about her own choreography, this chapter focuses on Karsavina’s insistence on values of expression and clear musical phrasing as well as strong technique in her coaching of ballets including Giselle and Firebird. Karsavina convinced British choreographer, Frederick Ashton, to create his own version of La Fille mal gardée, a ballet by Lev Ivanov, whose great, but overlooked, gifts she was eager to describe in her essay on the occasion of Ashton’s premiere.