Tamara Toumanova

Title supplied by archivist.

Typed on paper stapled to back of photographic print: "Severin Wunderman Museum, 3 Mason, Irvine, California 92718 USA, Telephone 714-472-1138 Telefax 714-472-0931. Press Release, Press Release, Press Release. Prima Ballerina Assoluta Tamara Toumanova to receive the 1992 Jean Cocteau International Style Award. The Severin Wunderman Museum is pleased to present the 1992 Jean Cocteau Intenational Style Award to Prima Ballerina Assoluta Tamara Toumanova on the anniversary of Cocteau's birthday, July 5, 1992, at the Severin Wunderman Museum in Irvine, California. This award is given to individuals whose personal style and participation in the arts reflects the spirit of Jean Cocteau. Previous recipients have been Michael York, Tommy Tune, and Gian-Carlo Menotti. Madame Toumanova has been referred to by the world press as 'The Black Pearl of the Russian Ballet' and more simply as 'La Toumanova.' Selected as a child by Anna Pavlova, her world-wide career as prima ballerina began with her debut at age thirteen in Cotillion and spanned the significant decades of ballet in this century. The dancer and great teacher of dance, Carmelita Maracci, described Toumanova as being in a category beyond all others. Blessed with an exquisite beauty, a statuesque figure, and having developed a technique without parallel, La Toumanova was sought by choreographers and theatres throughtout the world. She gave command performances before all of the crowned heads of Europe. Toumanova starred in a series of films, incuding performances with Gene Kelly and Gregory Peck, and was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Jean Cocteau greatly admired Toumanova and chose her to star in his ballet Phedre. While other artists danced roles, ballets were created for La Toumanova. The term 'Prima Ballerina Assoluta' belongs to her. A video presentation of two sequences from Madame Toumanova's film career will be shown during the champagne reception. One sequence will spotlight her interpretation of the dying swan. A private dinner at Le Meridien Hotel in Newport Beach, California , will follow the award ceremony." Written on front of folder: "Studio pose, work unident, n.d. no credit."