Anna Pavlova - ’Invitation to the Dance’ aka ’Invitation to the Valse’

This is footage of Anna Pavlova performing her variation from ’Invitation to the Dance’, also known as ’Invitation to the Valse’. The music for this solo is the Rondo from Weber’s Grand Sonata, Opus 39). It was made by Lee de Forrest. I am very grateful to Judy and David, Pavlova researchers, for identifying a whole range of elements in relation to this film, and for generously forwarding Walford Hyden’s description of the ballet ’Pavlova - The Genius of Dance’: ’The setting is a ball-room of the early Victorian period with the women in crinolines. Pavlova takes the role of a debutante, appropriately coy. Before her entry, the Company dances in the manner of the period. She enters coyly and does a variation to a movement from one of Weber’s early sonatas. The two gallants contend for her hand. She coquettes with them both, without showing preference for either - a subtle piece of miming. At last she is whirled away to the seductive music of the well-known ’Invitation to the Valse’. The atmosphere of the ballet is dignified and restrained until the music of the valse proper, which for the debutante becomes a crescendo of thrills, as she abandons herself to the music. The ballet is conceived in a conventional style. It was interesting for Pavlova’s study of the blushing young girl ’coming out’. The orchestration of ’Invitation to the Valse’ was by Berlioz.’ Walford Hyden was Anna Pavlova’s musical director on a number of her later tours. This description really brings the footage alive. Thanks again Judy and David. Your help has been invaluable and is much appreciated. Enjoy!