’Pas de Quatre’ - Alicia Alonso, Carla Fracci, Ghislaine Thesmar and Eva Evdokimova

’Pas de Quatre’ was originally choreographed by Jules Perrot in 1845 to music by Cesare Pugni. The ballet caused a sensation with both critics and public, when it premiered in London in July of 1845. One reason for its success was that it brought together four of the greatest ballerinas of the time. In order of appearance in the work, the ballerinas were Lucile Grahn, Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Cerrito, and Marie Taglioni, with this order being according to age. This cast only performed four times together. Fanny Elssler, the fifth great Romantic ballerina of the time, was invited to take part but declined the offer. This filmed performance has Alicia Alonso, Carla Fracci, Ghislaine Thesmar and Eva Evdokimova take the roles of the four famous Romantic ballerinas. Reconstruction and choreography are by Sir Anton Dolin. Enjoy!