February 10th, 2010 by soullldiva

When I found the video I posted yesterday, I had no idea what it was an actual excerpt of. I did a bit more digging and found out that Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan was actually a ballet choreographed by Frederick Ashton (Founder Choreographer of The Royal Ballet in London). He saw Isadora perform himself when he was on holiday with his family. He was only 17 years old. She made such an impression on him (even at 44 and admittedly past her prime) that he knew he was witnessing something special and went back again and again to see her.

He carried his memories of Isadora with him until 1976 when he created Five Waltzes for the Rambert Dance Company and starred ballerina Lynn Seymour.

Since then it has been recreated in the 80′s and in 2004. I found an introduction to the first video, with interviews of Lynn Seymour as she rehearses the latest ballerina to recreate her role, Tamara Rojo. She speaks a lot about what Frederick saw in Isadora Duncan and what inspired both him and her. Really a lovely clip. Enjoy!