Research Catalog

Title

Interview with Frederic Franklin. July 12, 2000 [sound recording].

Author

Franklin, Frederic, 1914-2013.

Publication

2000.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

• Moseley, Monica.
• Aloff, Mindy, 1947-
• Reynolds, Nancy, 1938-
• Kopp, Leslie Hansen.
• George Balanchine Foundation.

Description

2 sound cassettes (ca. 95 min.) +eedited transcript (63 leaves)

Summary

• Cassette 29, side A (ca. 37 min.). The interview includes Frederic Franklin's comments made in reference to selections from the correspondence files of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Frederic Franklin speaks about Alexandra Danilova, including the circumstances of her engagement by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo; her dancing, especially her difficulty with certain classical roles ; her theatricality and skillful use of her skirts; her persistence in continuing to dance despite being told that she was too old; relates an anecdote about Danilova and Tamara Toumanova; partnering Danilova; the compatiblity of their physical proportions; her sense of rythm; Danilova's and Alicia Markova's friendship; Sol Hurok's initial promoting of Danilova and subsequent promoting of Markova; Hurok's relationship with the company, especially his influence on casting; his ending his representation of the company in order to represent Ballet Theatre [later, American Ballet Theatre]; the effect this had on the company's touring schedule, including the end of their performing overseas; begins to speak about various people whose names appear in the company's files, beginning with Sidney Matz. [Ends abruptly.]
• Cassette 29, side B (ca. 37 min.). Franklin speaks about Danilova's relationship with Matz; Bruce Ottley, including his relation to the company and with Danilova; the company's brief consideration of a merger with the Ballets Russes du Col. W. de Basil; David Libidins and his handling of the dancers' salaries; Franklin's teaching and taking class at the School of American Ballet; various patrons and fans, including an English fan, referred to as Miss Twisden, who became an assistant to Danilova; Henry and Esther Clifford, including their patronage of David Lichine and friendship with Danilova; Hy Fine and the union [American Guild of Musical Artists]; Victor Hochauser and his engaging of Franklin, Danilova, and Massine to dance with the Metropolitan Ballet in London; compares the reinvestment policies of Serge Diaghilev and Serge Denham with respect to their ballet companies; income taxes and financial patronage; Denham's skill at fund-raising; the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo's 50th anniversary performance, at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. [Ends abruptly.]
• Cassette 30 side A (ca. 21 min.). Franklin continues speaking about the performance at the Metropolitan Opera; the financial aspects of dancing for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo; rejoining the company in 1954 after the failure of the Slavenska-Franklin Ballet; Danilova's devotion to the classes of Lubov [Nikolaevna] Egorova; Danilova's marriages to [Giuseppe] Massara and [Kazmir] Kokich and her subsequent problems in becoming a U.S. citizen.

Series Statement

Frederic Franklin Oral History Project

Alternative Title

Dance Oral History Project.

Subjects

• Franklin, Frederic, 1914-2013
• Danilova, Alexandra, 1907-1997
• Markova, Alicia, Dame, 1910-2004
• Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo
• Hurok, Sol, 1888-1974
• Diaghilev, Serge, 1872-1929
• Ballet > Economic aspects
• Ballets Russes du Col. W. de Basil
• Audiotapes > Franklin, F

Note

• Interview with Frederic Franklin conducted by Mindy Aloff, Monica Moseley, Nancy Reynolds, and Leslie Hansen Kopp at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in New York City on July 12, 2000. The interview was recorded for the Frederic Franklin Oral History Project; the Project is a collaboration between the George Balanchine Foundation and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
• For transcript see: *MGZMT 3-2253 no. 29-30.
• The transcripts were prepared by the George Balanchine Foundation. The transcripts are edited versions of the recordings and may include material such as follow-up interviews, in person and by telephone, and explanatory notes, which are not included in the recording.
• The recording is marred by occasional extraneous noise.

Access (note)

• Transcripts may not be photographed or reproduced without permission.

Call Number

*MGZTC 3-2253 nos. 29-30

OCLC

NYPY05-R6

Author

Franklin, Frederic, 1914-2013. Interviewee

Title

Interview with Frederic Franklin. July 12, 2000 [sound recording].

Imprint

2000.

Series

Frederic Franklin Oral History Project

Local Note

Archive copy: *MGZTC 3-2253 nos. 29-30

Dubbing master: *MGZTD 4-2253 nos. 29-30

Restricted Access

Transcripts may not be photographed or reproduced without permission.

Connect to:

Request Access to Special Collections (Dance Division) material

Local Subject

Audiotapes -- Franklin, F.

Added Author

Moseley, Monica. Interviewer

Aloff, Mindy, 1947- Interviewer

Reynolds, Nancy, 1938- Interviewer

Kopp, Leslie Hansen. Interviewer

George Balanchine Foundation.

Research Call Number

*MGZTC 3-2253 nos. 29-30 sound cassettes

*MGZMT 3-2253 no. 29-30 transcript