I'm trying not to reflect too long or too hard on 2009. For my family, it will always be remembered as the year we had to say goodbye to two of our much loved canine companions, the dear old Rough Diamond and the Divine Miss M. The remaining two of a trio of dogs who truly did transform our lives in so many ways. And there were other, more private sadnesses too. But enough, already, tears are welling.
Best, perhaps, to say goodbye to 2009 with a thing of beauty, a last dance post for the year. A rare and flickery piece of archive footage of the incomparable Anna Pavlova in her most famous role, La Mort du Cygne, choreographed for her in 1905 by Michel Fokine.
When I was a child, Pavlova's biography, Dancing Star (written for young readers by Gladys Malvern) helped to fuel my lifelong passion for dance. And Pavlova's life was extraordinary, although I had to wait until I was an adult and read Oleg Kerensky's less sanitised biography before I fully appreciated just how extraordinary.
Pavlova died in 1931, her swan costume in her arms. She was 49, had been diagnosed with pleurisy and had refused an operation that would have saved her life - because it would have prevented her from dancing again. For the woman who took ballet to the furthest corners of the world, a life without dance was beyond comprehension.
So we'll let Pavlova dance us to the end of 2009. After all, and with apologies to Scarlett O'Hara, tomorrow is another year.
Dear Boots
Thank you for the Pavlova clip. Exquisite. She is like a floating white feather. So fragile.
The parallels continue. I have always loved to dance and have loved dance in the broadest sense with ballet somewhere in the mix. I had lessons until my father died, when dancing - like many other beautiful things - went West.
Have good things in 2010.
wx
Posted by: wendy robertson | 01 January 2010 at 09:39 AM
Happy New Year, hope 2010 turns out a good one...
Posted by: Rattling On | 01 January 2010 at 11:42 AM
Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy 2010.
Posted by: Liz | 01 January 2010 at 02:54 PM
Happy New Year!
Sorry I can't comment on the content of the post but it keeps disappearing. I've tried to read it several times today but it won't stay still for long enough. I haven't touched a drop, honestly!
Posted by: Maureen | 01 January 2010 at 06:33 PM
Best wishes for a wonderful start to 2010, and may the whole year be good to you -- perhaps we'll even have a chance to meet in London this year!
Posted by: materfamilias | 01 January 2010 at 06:44 PM
As you know, we lost two beloved dogs this year too - if I can stretch a point and count 30th Dec 2008 as 'this year'. It feels like this year. Don't they leave a huge hole? I still miss them both, nearly a year on.
Such a sad dance, and perfect for the mood. But perhaps 2010 will be better for both of us? Let's hope so! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Jay | 01 January 2010 at 09:42 PM
Thanks so much for your wonderful dance year,D.
I thought of you when I went to see the remastered version of The Red Shoes this week (I would not have bothered if you had not posted about it earlier this year and inspired me to see it). It was absolutely captivating. And I've been dipping into the Twyla Tharp book you recommended too which has also been a revelation.
Amazing what a little blogging does for people.
Posted by: colleen | 02 January 2010 at 11:15 AM