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Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Pavlova's first tour to Sydney in April 1926

The 1926 tour

Anna Pavlova, the iconic Russian ballerina, embarked on her groundbreaking tour of Australia in 1926, marking a significant milestone in the country's cultural history. This tour was part of a larger international journey that included performances in major cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Pavlova was not just a performer; she was a cultural ambassador who introduced Australian audiences to the elegance and sophistication of classical ballet.

Pavlova's arrival in Sydney on April 11, 1926, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. A crowd of approximately 10,000 people gathered at the train station to welcome her, reflecting her immense popularity and the excitement surrounding her performances.

Her Sydney season officially commenced on April 17 at Her Majesty's Theatre, where she opened with a stunning rendition of The Fairy Doll. This performance received rapturous applause and was described as a "delirium of delight," setting the tone for her two-month engagement in the city.

Throughout her Sydney season, Pavlova showcased an impressive repertoire that included not only classical ballets but also her own compositions. Among the highlights were Snowflakes, her self-choreographed piece Autumn Leaves set to Chopin’s music, and the dramatic Bacchanale, performed alongside fellow dancer Laurent Novikoff. The two-act ballet Don Quixote also featured prominently in her program. Each performance was met with enthusiastic responses from audiences, who were captivated by her grace and emotional depth.

Anna Pavlova, the iconic Russian ballerina, embarked on her groundbreaking tour of Australia in 1926, marking a significant milestone in the country's cultural history. This tour was part of a larger international journey that included performances in major cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Pavlova was not just a performer; she was a cultural ambassador who introduced Australian audiences to the elegance and sophistication of classical ballet.

Pavlova's arrival in Sydney on April 11, 1926, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. A crowd of approximately 10,000 people gathered at the train station to welcome her, reflecting her immense popularity and the excitement surrounding her performances.

Her Sydney season officially commenced on April 17 at Her Majesty's Theatre, where she opened with a stunning rendition of The Fairy Doll. This performance received rapturous applause and was described as a "delirium of delight," setting the tone for her two-month engagement in the city.

Throughout her Sydney season, Pavlova showcased an impressive repertoire that included not only classical ballets but also her own compositions. Among the highlights were Snowflakes, her self-choreographed piece Autumn Leaves set to Chopin’s music, and the dramatic Bacchanale, performed alongside fellow dancer Laurent Novikoff. The two-act ballet Don Quixote also featured prominently in her program. Each performance was met with enthusiastic responses from audiences, who were captivated by her grace and emotional depth.

Anna Pavlova dancing during her tour of Australia

Anna Pavlova dancing during her tour of Australia

Anna Pavlova

Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova in The Swan by Mikhail Fokine, Berlin

Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova in The Swan by Mikhail Fokine, Berlin

Anna Pavlova, born on February 12, 1881, in St. Petersburg, Russia, is celebrated as one of the most influential ballerinas in history. Her early exposure to ballet came when her mother took her to see The Sleeping Beauty, igniting a passion that led her to enroll at the Imperial Ballet School in 1891. Pavlova's dedication to her craft was extraordinary; she practiced for up to 15 hours a day to perfect her technique and artistry.

Pavlova's rise to fame began when she joined the Imperial Ballet in 1899 and became a prima ballerina by 1906. She gained international acclaim after performing with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in Paris in 1909. However, unlike many of her contemporaries, she preferred to tour independently, introducing classical ballet to audiences around the world. Her performances were marked by a unique blend of grace and emotional depth, captivating viewers wherever she went.

Among her most famous works is The Dying Swan, choreographed for her by Michel Fokine in 1905, which became synonymous with her legacy. Pavlova's tours extended beyond traditional ballet; she incorporated elements from various cultures, studying and performing ethnic dances from India and Japan. This commitment to cultural exchange not only enriched her performances but also contributed to the global appreciation of ballet.

Pavlova's impact on dance is profound; she inspired countless dancers and choreographers, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in the world of ballet today. Her dedication and artistry have made her an enduring symbol of the art form.

Anna Pavlova, born on February 12, 1881, in St. Petersburg, Russia, is celebrated as one of the most influential ballerinas in history. Her early exposure to ballet came when her mother took her to see The Sleeping Beauty, igniting a passion that led her to enroll at the Imperial Ballet School in 1891. Pavlova's dedication to her craft was extraordinary; she practiced for up to 15 hours a day to perfect her technique and artistry.

Pavlova's rise to fame began when she joined the Imperial Ballet in 1899 and became a prima ballerina by 1906. She gained international acclaim after performing with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in Paris in 1909. However, unlike many of her contemporaries, she preferred to tour independently, introducing classical ballet to audiences around the world. Her performances were marked by a unique blend of grace and emotional depth, captivating viewers wherever she went.

Among her most famous works is The Dying Swan, choreographed for her by Michel Fokine in 1905, which became synonymous with her legacy. Pavlova's tours extended beyond traditional ballet; she incorporated elements from various cultures, studying and performing ethnic dances from India and Japan. This commitment to cultural exchange not only enriched her performances but also contributed to the global appreciation of ballet.

Pavlova's impact on dance is profound; she inspired countless dancers and choreographers, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in the world of ballet today. Her dedication and artistry have made her an enduring symbol of the art form.

Her Majesty's Theatre

Her Majesty's Theatre in Sydney has a storied history as one of Australia's premier performance venues. The original theatre opened its doors in 1887 on Pitt Street and was designed by architects Gustavus Alphonse Morell and John Edward Kemp. It quickly became known for its opulent Baroque-style architecture and could accommodate approximately 2,000 spectators across three tiers.

The theatre faced significant challenges over the years, including a devastating fire in 1902 that destroyed much of its interior. Following extensive renovations by architect William Pitt Jr., it reopened in 1903 with a more modern Edwardian design while retaining its historical charm.

Throughout its history, Her Majesty's Theatre hosted numerous notable performances, including Anna Pavlova's celebrated visit in 1926. This event marked a significant moment in Australian cultural history as Pavlova introduced audiences to the elegance and sophistication of ballet.

Despite its popularity, the theatre struggled during the economic downturns of the mid-20th century and ultimately closed in 1933. Subsequent iterations of Her Majesty's Theatre continued to serve as important cultural hubs until their own closures and demolitions.

Today, while no longer standing, Her Majesty's Theatre remains a cherished part of Sydney's theatrical heritage, remembered for its role in bringing world-class performances to Australian audiences and for hosting one of ballet’s greatest icons, Anna Pavlova.

Her Majesty's Theatre in Sydney has a storied history as one of Australia's premier performance venues. The original theatre opened its doors in 1887 on Pitt Street and was designed by architects Gustavus Alphonse Morell and John Edward Kemp. It quickly became known for its opulent Baroque-style architecture and could accommodate approximately 2,000 spectators across three tiers.

The theatre faced significant challenges over the years, including a devastating fire in 1902 that destroyed much of its interior. Following extensive renovations by architect William Pitt Jr., it reopened in 1903 with a more modern Edwardian design while retaining its historical charm.

Throughout its history, Her Majesty's Theatre hosted numerous notable performances, including Anna Pavlova's celebrated visit in 1926. This event marked a significant moment in Australian cultural history as Pavlova introduced audiences to the elegance and sophistication of ballet.

Despite its popularity, the theatre struggled during the economic downturns of the mid-20th century and ultimately closed in 1933. Subsequent iterations of Her Majesty's Theatre continued to serve as important cultural hubs until their own closures and demolitions.

Today, while no longer standing, Her Majesty's Theatre remains a cherished part of Sydney's theatrical heritage, remembered for its role in bringing world-class performances to Australian audiences and for hosting one of ballet’s greatest icons, Anna Pavlova.

Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, superseded by Centrepoint Tower

Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, superseded by Centrepoint Tower

First night in Sydney.
A wonderful reception.

“The genius of Anna Pavlova captivated a great audience at Her Majesty's Theatre on Saturday nighty . just as it had had under a spell the public of the great cities of Europe and America. In two elaborate ballets, 'The fairy Boll' and 'Chopiniana' and in her famous expositions , of 'The Dying Swan' she demonstrated that perfect acting which, en titles her to be styled to-day 'the incomparable.”

Article - Kalgoorlie Miner (WA : 1926)

'Incomparable' Pavlova Is Brilliantly Triumphant In Her Sydney Debut

A great and memorable night with the world's greatest artist in her genre,,aided and abetted by M. Novikoff, and a company of dancers whose like we shall not soon look upon again. It will delight us hereafter to recall it.

Article - Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1926)

Project 1926

Celebrating a Century of Ballet in Australia

As we approach the 100th anniversary of Anna Pavlova's transformative Australian tour, Project 1926 brings this historic moment to life through interactive digital experiences, community engagement, and historical exploration.

Join the 1926 Newsroom

Step into the shoes of a 1920s reporter in our upcoming interactive game "The Pavlova Assignment." As a journalist fora Sydney newspaper, you'll:

  • Interview witnesses to Pavlova's arrival at the train station

  • Gather firsthand accounts from performance attendees

  • Write period-authentic news stories about her performances

  • Investigate the cultural impact of ballet on 1926 Sydney

  • Piece together the story of this momentous cultural event

Through this immersive experience, players will discover the excitement and significance of Pavlova's visit while developing an understanding of both ballet history and 1920s Australian society.

Chronicle of a Cultural Revolution

Our dedicated blog series "Pavlova's Sydney" explores different aspects of the 1926 tour and its lasting impact:

  • Monthly deep dives into historical archives and photographs

  • Expert insights from ballet historians and performers

  • Explorations of 1920s Sydney's art and cultural scene

  • Behind-the-scenes looks at our game development process

  • Updates on centenary celebration plans

Chronicle of a Cultural Revolution

Project 1926 is building a community of ballet enthusiasts, history lovers, and cultural explorers:

  • Share your family's stories and memorabilia from the 1926 tour

  • Participate in virtual discussions about ballet history

  • Connect with other passionate history and dance enthusiasts

  • Contribute to our growing digital archive of Pavlova-related materials

  • Help shape our centenary celebrations through community input

Looking Forward

As we count down to the centenary in April 2026, Project 1926 will continue to grow with:

  • Regular content updates and new game features

  • Special events and virtual exhibitions

  • Collaborations with cultural institutions

  • Educational resources for schools

  • Documentation of contemporary Australian ballet's evolution

Join us on this journey as we bridge the past and present, celebrating how one remarkable tour helped shape Australia's cultural landscape

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Step into 1926 - Get monthly dispatches about Pavlova's historic tour and our journey to the centenary celebration.

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