Australia Dancing - Souvorova, Elisabeth (1911

Souvorova, Elisabeth (1911 - 1982)

Photographer unknown: Elisabeth Souvorova as L'Americaine in 'Port Said', Monte Carlo Russian Ballet

Elisabeth Souvorova was the stage name of Betty Frank, nee Scorer, a London born dancer who started her training at the age of four with Miss Vacani and Margaret Morris. She also studied with acclaimed teachers Anna Pruzina, Tamara Karsarvina, Nicholas Legat and Enrico Cecchetti. She made her professional debut, aged twelve, as Robin in The Merry Wives of Windsor, which starred Edith Evans. Souvorova danced in Camargo Society productions, in companies headed by Anton Dolin and George Balanchine and in a variety of other stage shows including the Folies bergeres with which she toured America.

Souvorova joined the Ballets de Leon Woizikowsky in c. 1935 and travelled throughout Europe with the company. She joined de Basil's Monte Carlo Russian Ballet for its Australian tour of 1936 to 1937 and while in Australia married fellow corps de ballet dancer Alexis Frank in Melbourne on 30 June 1937.

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Maroussia Richardson Collection, 1935-1949 (Manuscript): 1 box; This collection of letters, photographs, clippings, programs, and other items records the career of Elisabeth Souvorova. Souvorova (real name Betty Frank nee Scorer) danced in Australia with the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet and before that in Europe with Les Ballets de Leon Woizikowsky. The largest part of the collection consists of letters and postcards written by Souvorova while on tour in Australia and New Zealand. These letters record details of the tour and impressions of Australia from a dancer's perspective. Further information relating to the scope and content, including digital content, of the papers can be found at Maroussia Richardson Collection.; Woizikowsky, Leon ; Ballets Russes Australian tours; Location:; National Library of Australia; MS 9915
nla.cat-vn3550415

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