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Oukrainsky Collection
979.029
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Title: Oukrainsky Collection
Dates: 1916-1964
Collection Number: 979.029
Creator/Collector:
Oukrainsky, Serge (1886-1972)
Extent: 36 Boxes. 40 linear feet.
Repository:
Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library
San Francisco, California 94124
Abstract: Serge Oukrainsky (1886-1972) was a Russian-born dancer, teacher and choreographer. He began his stage career as a mime in
the French Musical Festival at the Theatre de Chatelet in 1911. In 1913, he moved to the United States with partner Anna Pavlova
and the Anna Pavlova Company. He stayed until 1915 when he moved to Chicago where he became leading dancer, choreographer
and director of the Chicago Opera Ballet and established the Pavley-Oukrainsky Ballet with Andreas Pavley, which became the
official ballet of the Chicago Grand Opera. In 1927, he became ballet master of the San Francisco Opera Ballet and the Los
Angeles Opera Ballet and staged ballets for symphonic concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, as well as choreographing for several
films. This collection details the life and career of Serge Oukrainsky and includes biographical information, correspondence,
Pavley-Oukrainsky Ballet Company financial and artistic records, photographs (some autographed), press clippings, programs,
manuscripts, his autobiography “My Life in Ballet,” sketches, and a great many costumes.
Language of Material: English
Entire Collection is open for research.
Reproduction of these materials can occur only if the copying falls within the provisions of the doctrine of fair use. Copyright
varies by item.
[Identification of item]. Oukrainsky Collection. Collection Number: 979.029. Museum of Performance and Design, Performing
Arts Library
This collection was acquired by Russell Hartley. Supposedly, a friend of his rescued it before it went to the dump and gave
it to Russell Hartley.
Biography/Administrative History
Serge Oukrainsky (1886-1972) was a Russian-born dancer, teacher and choreographer. He began his stage career as a mime in
the French Musical Festival at the Theatre de Chatelet in 1911. In 1913, he moved to the United States with partner Anna Pavlova
and the Anna Pavlova Company. He stayed until 1915 when he moved to Chicago where he became leading dancer, choreographer
and director of the Chicago Opera Ballet and established the Pavley-Oukrainsky Ballet with Andreas Pavley, which became the
official ballet of the Chicago Grand Opera. In 1927, he became ballet master of the San Francisco Opera Ballet and the Los
Angeles Opera Ballet and staged ballets for symphonic concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, as well as choreographing for several
films.
Scope and Content of Collection
This collection details the life and career of Serge Oukrainsky and includes biographical information, correspondence, Pavley-Oukrainsky
Ballet Company financial and artistic records, photographs (some autographed), press clippings, programs, manuscripts, his
autobiography “My Life in Ballet,” sketches, and a great many costumes.
Choreographers
Dance teachers
Dancers
Pavley, Andreas, 1892-1931
Pavlova, Anna, 1881-1931.
Anna Pavlova Company
Chicago Grand Opera Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Chicago Opera Ballet
Hollywood Bowl (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Los Angeles Opera.
Pavley-Oukrainsky Ballet
San Francisco Opera.
Theatre de Chatelet