Australia Dancing - Berezowsky, Marina (1914

Berezowsky, Marina (1914 - )

Born in St Petersburg of Ukrainian parents, Marina Berezowsky received her dance training in Kiev. She performed with a number of dance companies in the Ukraine before migrating to Australia with her husband in 1949. They settled in Perth where Berezowsky became involved with the West Australian Ballet during its foundation years. The inaugural performance of the company, which took place on July 24, 1953, included a work - Romaine - which Berezowsky both choreographed and performed in. She continued teaching and working with the newly established company before her move to Melbourne put her into contact with Edouard Borovansky and the Borovansky Ballet. In 1964 she began teaching character dance at the Australian Ballet School.

Berezowsky founded and became artistic director and resident choreographer for Kolobok Dance Company in 1970. This company, whose formation was inspired by visits to Australia during the 1960s of a number of folkloric companies from around the world, aimed to give artistic and theatrical expression to the many varied dance traditions brought to Australia by migrants from all over the world. Kolobok became a fully professional company in 1975. Following a series of funding difficulties the company ceased its operations in 1983. In June the following year, Berezowsky was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her service to ballet.

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Articles - New York Public Library Dance Collection
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