Black Swan Pas de Deux (1957, Plisetskaya and Fadeyechev)

Here is the complete Black Swan Pas de Deux from the rather badly edited 1957 Russian film of the Bolshoi Ballet. Unfortunately there are too many cut away shots to show the "happy Russian people" enjoying the ballet. Even so, this is a great document to show the 31 year old Maya Plisetskaya at the beginning of her international fame and legendary career. There are other later videos of this, one of her iconic portrayals, but I think this is the most authentic filmed version because it was a live performance when she was still relatively young. I saw her do this live several times 9 years later, and she was even better. I took 6 weeks of classes with her when I was allowed to attend all the Bolshoi Ballet's company classes and performances. She took an interest in me and gave me private corrections....which changed my life. Seeing her dance up close in class and on stage opened up the possibilities of dancing classical ballet I had not imagined before. Her version of the seductress, "Odile" brings out more of the humor and sexual heat than any others I've seen. Alicia Alonso's "Odile" was highly dramatic, but not quite so flirtatious I find. Nicolai Fadeyechev is her partner here, and even though he has the low demi-pointe (not so great feet) and below hip level extensions common for men of that day, he really floats in his jumps, (his sustained back cabrioles are incredible) and his softness of landings would be envied today. Dancers today have sleeker bodies, longer legs, better feet, and more tricks, but the musicality and passion of these two greats stands the test of time.

[@powerofalto]

My gosh Plisetskaya was extraordinary! What a thrilling performance!

[@classicalaid1]

She was a friend of the Moscow branch of my family. I have her autograph on a glossy photo in her Swan lake tutu. The signature across the tutu. Stalin had her mother, a movie star, murdered because she was Jewish.

[@irinaasadullaeva6554]

Шедеврально!!! Каждая поза, жест, даже взгляд.Эти неповторимые руки.Можно смотреть бесконечно.И конечно достойнейший партнер.

[@clauditamel]

My Mom's favorite ballerina. Now I see why. Thank you.

[@pavelantonov251]

Какое счастье что остались хотя бы такие видеозаписи. Равных Плисецкой не было и не будет никогда, такое бывает только раз и никогда больше.

[@philipkuttner7945]

She's electrifying. Those arms--they seem to be 6 feet long! And I find what she does more exciting than most ballerinas are doing 32 fouettés.

[@Marta44339]

Thank you for posting this wonderful clip. Plisetskaya is incomparable. Everything you and others have written here is so true: artistry, musicality, phrasing, expressivity, gorgeous arms, speed, daring, and her striking individuality. I appreciate very much the qualities in Fadeyechev's dancing especially his ballon and soft landings.

[@euridicesacramentomariani6953]

Wonderful Plisetskaya! Great ballerina and actress!

[@claireschweizer4765]

the way she agknoleges rothbart makes me want to cry she's so breathtaking I love her

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

Wow, thank you so much!! These piqué manège turns look so exciting, and sheś perfectly with the music!! Wish we would see this version more often, better than 32 poorly executed fouéttes. I don‘t like it when the ballerinas struggle with the fouéttes and look nervous and concentrated, because the whole point of this variation is that Odile looks totally confident and in control.

[@movingpicutres99]

Real dancing. Legendary. How lucky we are to have this video. Thank you.

[@kristinmoreno9203]

Plisetskaya is LEGENDARY! 💖💛 Thank you for sharing this Original!

[@hermajesty52]

Ayyyyyy! Those LEGS! WHO dances like this today? So much personality and so much technique. A treasure.

[@andrewvincenti2664]

I have this ballet with her - Plisetskaya is still the best in my view

[@avasgranb1]

My goodness, the Speed! And her shoes are so tiny! Not one exaggerated extension! She would dance any of today’s dancers into the ground.

[@newyorkguy158]

Thank you for this video. It's an amazing performance and so satisfying in every way, technique, expression and character. A much higher level of artistry than exists today. I want to see more of Plisetskaya.

[@ВалентинаПотапова-т9ю]

Классная балерина. Но слишком помпезная. Особенно болеро. Вообще, не люблю, когда композиторы берут произведения других композиторов, кроят их по своему и пишутся потом через чёрточку. А жены танцуют под эту музыку.

[@robertevans8010]

A Very Beautiful and Great Lady.

[@giuliorenzobighin8165]

Grande prova d'assoluta padronanza in positure figurali in incredibile successione da parte della ballerina e mirabile negli slanci trasversi il partner. Grande impressione di facillima fluidità e del continuum. MOLTO BRAVI.BIGHIN GIULIO RENZO

[@neyfonsecajunior]

What a treat! Have always loved Plisetskaya and those legendary arms (saw her doing "Dying Swan" live in the late 70's and was haunted by it for years). Now, the headpiece here: hope the Trocs take notice :-)

[@voraciousreader3341]

Plisetskaya is like no other! She’s so athletic and so refined at the same time, great at ‘presto’ or ’adagio’ choreography, a quality that is extremely rare. And her acting was amazing, too! I’m so glad there is film from her time so we can enjoy her work!

[@nan2kaye]

As always, thank you, John, for posting this amazing video ... filmed over 50 years ago. Enchanting!

[@UYTRELLO]

The best of the year so far! A million thanks dear Clifford!

[@galinact-ya9166]

Браво, МАЙЯ !!! Браво, НИКОЛАЙ !!! С Вами ушла целая эпоха ! Царствие, Вам, Небесное!!!

[@NanciesArt11]

Thanks for posting this wonderful rendition.

[@donnaross5105]

A great, great artist and a great beauty! She’s like our Gelsey Kirkland but with more psychological stability.

[@НесторМахно-ш1е]

Великолепная великая майя плисецкая! Нет ей равных! Вся в образе! Светлая память

[@leonardodavinchi6799]

Какая красота!)😍😍😍😍😍 Спасибо большое за возможпость любоваться этой великой балериной двадцатого века!) Bravo !!!!! )

[@nataliarossin9171]

Phenomenal orchestra and conductor ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@margheritadiana9143]

Le giovani ballerine hanno ancora molto da imparare da questa icona della danza...meravigliosa

[@balletgirl56]

Thanks for posting!!! Fabulous!!!!

[@ЕленаЖумагулова-ч5с]

Чудесная пара! Танец завораживает! Настоящее искусство!

[@EuroForUkraine]

I commented about "today's" ballerinas the other day, telling my all-time Top 3 favorites (Guillem, Lopatkina & Osipova) ..and forgot to mention that Maya of course is the Ultimate Number One..it's just since she's not from this world and she is a Goddess i never mention her among "mortal ballerinas". HaHa!

[@user-bb7zd5sk2x]

Смотрю, а в голове одно слово: "Царственная"! Каждый жест, каждый взгляд, изгибы рук - всё отточено, выверено, сто процентное попадание.

[@calmandrelaxingchannel6737]

the one and only maya😍😍

[@ahones2255]

Maravillosa Maya. ¡Bravo!

[@zanuda5274]

Thank you so much!!

[@elizabethhill702]

He has always been my favourite dancer ever 5:22

[@redlantern3371]

I agree with Stephanie. It's almost as if in today's world our eyes have been stripped to see the now commonplace perfection as the only ideal. As if we cannot help but be critical of any tiny imperfection. It's maddening actually. Very dehumanizing imo. Don't get me wrong, it can be thrilling to see something out of the ordinary, but when it becomes the focus of the ENTIRE performance, that's when I feel we, as an audience, lose something. I really enjoy these films highlighting the charm, personality, and acting abilities of the past generations of dancers. (And I don't mean to say that there are not dancers like this around today, because there are) I suppose it's just evolution to a higher technique and different physical standards.

[@dan-iy5rs]

your last 2 words- physical standards: M Plisetskaya is not so skiny like today ballerinas.

[@francescafalconio79]

Balla Maya e io piango...una Dea

[@mauriziopaggio6970]

Questa é la vera danza ! Anche se tecnicamente non erano così flessibili e atletici come oggi la storia vissuta del lago dei cigni con tutta la massima espressività mi trasmette molto di più degli attuali ! Bravissimi ! Che emozione ….

[@johnsarkissian5519]

Io penso invece che erano così flessibili ed atletici come sono i ballerini di oggi. Ma considerandosi prima di tutto artisti e non atleti , il loro obiettivo principale era quello artistico, creare caratteri tramite la danza è la musica. Per loro era molto più importante seguire il tempo della musica che alzare la gamba a altezze innaturali. Non erano acrobati, erano attori.

[@xxxyyy1678]

Может Плисецкая и темперамента в танце тут не поспоришь, но гением танца я лично бы её не назвала. Да руки хорошие, артистизм, но многое недоработанно. Может живьём в театре этого так не видно ибо личное восприятие совсем другое, но в фильме видно все грехи и недоработки.

[@ИринаФранц-ф4э]

Как шикарно ! Прекрасная Майя !

[@Ещёневечер-м1ц]

Неужели вы не видите, что Плисецкая совсем не грациозна? У неё одни позы, а также техника, но нет грации.

[@뷁꿃쇿]

really appreciate the footage left for plisetskaya's performance but the camerawork :(, but given it was from the 50s, oh well.

[@jcliff26]

Because it’s a Russian propaganda film from 1957. Let’s at least appreciate what we can see.

[@뷁꿃쇿]

@@jcliff26 i understand. i didn't mean to criticize you(uploader) just that it was upsetting to miss parts of her performance . but of course, given that it is from 1950s. i'll edit my original comment.

[@БалтакулАпа]

Замечательно! Браво!!! 👍👍👍

[@simonaperez1475]

Музыкально, артистично легко, как дыхание! Музыка как и должна быть! То есть в два раза быстрее. Сейчас медленно и спортивно

[@ОльгаСобакина-с7ц]

Фантастика.... Особенно учитывая, что после войны прошло всего 12 лет! Трудно поверить...

[@LauraP1962]

Wow, thank you so much for this! The adagio is like watching a great silent film star, a Garbo or Swanson, oozing seduction at her helpless prey (!) I wish the cameraman hadn't cut away to the audience during Plisetskaya's variation, though--what was he thinking?

[@jcliff26]

Agreed. Great acting and how it should be. This was a Russian “propaganda” film so I’m sure they wanted to show the “happy and attractive” Russian people enjoying a night out at “their” ballet. Odd thing is Plisetskaya is a Jewish and held back for some years because of it. Her extreme talent broke through that barrier.

[@philipkuttner7945]

@@jcliff26 Not only that, her father was executed and her mother imprisoned for years. An amazing woman as well as dancer. Thank you for posting.

[@sandramonteiro6479]

Imagine if she would dance with baryshnikov. It'd be amazing!!

[@jcliff26]

Don’t think it would have worked. Maybe Nureyev.

[@magdacarbone9004]

Vedo sempre molto volentieri questi magnifici artisti

[@aoeleny]

Когда она вращается, глаз переходит от прекрасного лица к обольстительному заду и обратно. Балетное мастерство подчинено у Плисецкой в ее ролях искусству обольщения. У большинства других балерин на первом месте школа, выучка, но не провокация.

[@ГородЛефортово-р5д]

Плисецкая - эталон балетного искусства , лучше не было , нет и не будет !

[@chanellshahin151]

She was great for her time. No turn out, all her turns in 6th position, and her hands with big finger sticking out! Nobody dance like that anymore. She definitely had lots of energy and charm though. in my opinion Lopatkina, Zaharova and Smirnova are way better!

[@anavaldesayesta4708]

Que maravillosos brazos los de Plitseskaya!....

[@Жизньпрекрасна-к4у4т]

Богиня)

[@philipkuttner7945]

I've never heard the male variation with solo violinist. Very different effect.

[@UYTRELLO]

And that was how Tchaikovsky really wrote that part of the pas de deux music.

[@aliciaelcirapierri9338]

MARAVILLOSA,, UNICA!!! También cabe destacar el excelente solo de violin. ❤️

[@mariacristinasoledaddiazag836]

Excelente bailarina

[@ele923]

Да, кто видел по тв концерт , посвящённый памяти Плисецкой,, пришлось выключать. Когда очень большая, "лошадиная"девушка пыталась изображать балет.....

[@anaicotrim9557]

The ultimate proof that the the drama of flexibility and athleticism are not the point in ballet. I miss the old artists with no drama with high legs and 32 fouéttés.

[@wampochka]

Надо же, молодая Плисецкая сама на себя не похожа в возрасте... неужели пластику делала? Совершенно другое лицо. Вообще.

[@simonaperez1475]

А какова Плисецкая в Дон Кихоте??? До сих пор мурашки !!! Никто так и не перетанцевал Майю. Разве что Натали Осипова!!!

[@mey5207]

❤❤❤

[@juanderosaduarte6705]

maia siempre maia

[@НаташаЛюбимова-ш6с]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤

[@redlantern3371]

Not so sure about that tutu though. I think things have improved on that front. :)

[@martinazdimalova1335]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@pininfarinarossa8112]

Plisetskaya isnt doing the 32 fouettes here😭

[@jcliff26]

No she chose not to because they’re not in the original choreography. She does do them in Don Quixote and The Little Humpbacked Horse; which was a ballet made for her.

[@monongahelacats]

All the better. IMHO, the 32 fouettes are completely overrated.

[@milanatrubnykova14]

One night she does. After similarly critic's publication. Confirming her aptitude.

[@ОльгаБлинова-ш9о]

Дух не захватывает как от Надежды Павловой.

[@simonaperez1475]

При чем здесь Павлова? Даже видео ее в Одиллии не найти

[@ЯкушенкоОльга]

Все же,сейчас так донести образ не умеют

[@--hi--4163]

Она гигантская! Что за бёдра, коротконогая, тяжеловоз! Эти руки, как щупальца ужасно. Старается играть лицом, отвлекающие маневры…..

[@ImogenC-rt3fm]

Brilliant actress. Shite dancer. Pains me to say it.

[@ImogenC-rt3fm]

How many and WHICH ballets were made on her?

[@dcsari]

No wonder she’s a legend in Ballet 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@l.alexandra5871]

Thank you for posting this extraordinary and fully intact (the entire PDD). Plisetskaya was just something else. In a league of her own. Obviously in the west Margot Fonteyn was the epitome - the Prima Ballerina Assoluta. Their styles couldn’t be more different But I have to admit, no one was electrifying as Plisetskaya- her technique was astonishing for her time. Her extensions and feet! And her pirouette chênes combination, her speed, her artistry, her obvious delight, her musicality, her characterization are incomparable. (Just as was Fonteyn’s but as opposite as can be). Plisetskaya sparkled. It’s a true tragedy the Iron Curtain limited access and artistic exchange during the Cold War. What we all lost is incalculable. Also, in the west these performances were rarely recorded and was discouraged. Thank goodness there seems to be more relics left from Russia, the Soviet era - so we can enjoy them now - thank you again.

[@zanuda5274]

Do not forget Fadeyichev. He is just the best male dancer.

[@НаташаЛюбимова-ш6с]

Лёгкость Фадеечева изумительная!!!

[@ЛидияЛаврецкая]

Коварная Одиллия ,гениальная Майя!

[@lazarocedeno5270]

Thanks for posting this. The good old days. When artistically, technical proficiency was not the only issue. I remember when the dancer moved your soul. I admire the ability of today artists. Their mechanical perfection is a great accomplishment. It’s great to see. But, how about the spiritual aspect of the individual performer. When I go to experience the art from of dance. Classical ballet, for example. I think, part of the disappointment I feel is, my soul is not moved. Please, I don’t mean any disrespect. I don’t mean all dancers.❤Love and respect dancers. I just would like to see more artists connect with their audience

[@ioioioioio265]

She is extraordinary, but all was better then now, the make up too, faces of the public were beautiful, nowaday too much stylization, so all looks like industrial products, all the same. And more, no dinamic, just poses.

[@tamarariga6039]

Всю косметику для прим привозили из Франции, специально выделяли валюту.

[@АннаМаркова-з2з]

Гениальная Плисецкая в расцвете своего таланта,какая красота, какое чудо!!

[@АлексейКотельников-у7е]

Майя ! Молодая ,красивая ,грациозная !

[@tamarariga6039]

Уланова-Фадеичев на все времена. ❤❤❤

[@Yuliya-k2f]

Плисецкая-шедевр балетного искусства. Начиная от кончиков пальцев рук,, взгляда, заканчивая кончиком пальцев ног.

[@theliterarylamb3]

Perfect deception

[@claireschweizer4765]

she's so fierce my god!

[@ВалентинаИванова-ю3к]

❤ из России, 29 января 2024 года.

[@ТаняКушко]

Плисецкая СУПЕР!!! Техника ФИЛИГРАННАЯ!!!

[@ОльгаТроян-д2щ]

Плисецкая живет в Танце!Мощная энергетика.Талант и Артистизм!Ангел наяву!

[@nataliarossin9171]

The best for all times❤❤❤❤❤

[@MariaAlice-bq5hs]

Maya maravilhosa!

[@dan-iy5rs]

Thank you,

[@ginabataille1796]

Bravo!

[@bunnygirl8208]

Mesmerising. Thank you for sharing this

[@MikeBanks2003]

The "like" button is missing--so people have mistakenly disliked it. Please fix it.

[@jcliff26]

Seems to work for others as it’s gotten a lot of thumbs up.

[@khannaborukhov8346]

Amazing duo! They both are legends! Plisetskaya is the one and only beyond any comparison!

[@marujaaparicio1009]

¿ Todavìa las bailarinas no hacìan las 32 fouetes ?

[@estheladiaz8442]

Gracias por compartir son excelentes todos producción vestuario gracias por tanto talento

[@zadighamroune]

Outdated of course. Technique is nowadays Impressive but dance is an art…

[@julijasokolskaja6444]

О эти руки!!!!!!! Ave Maya!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@AnyaV]

Interesting. Thanks

[@ВалентинаКалиновская-п3б]

Кокетка Плисецкая не балерина а вертушка

[@sedekiman]

Lovely to see! Plisetskaya great technician but too butch for my taste. But good to see some flesh and not a dancing stick.

[@jcliff26]

“Butch?” Really? I see old school voluptuousness a la Sophia Loren. She lost a lot of that weight when she started dancing more in the west in the 60’s and 70’s. This is from 1957.

[@jcliff26]

@@liudmylaharmash5661 Please do not post personal insults on my page. Thank you.

[@jcliff26]

@@liudmylaharmash5661 It is not good to insult anyone, and saying “you have no taste” is just your opinion and an insult.

[@argeodelaguardia2304]

Los pendientes que llevaba en esta actuación fueron un regalo de la reina Elizabeth II. Nunca le permitieron que los sacara de la Unión Soviética. Había una ley que lo prohibía a los judíos y ella lo era

[@fjdyyh2542]

I see nothing extraordinary in this. The hands of course are liquid as hell but I expected more from the artistry