Tributes to a remarkable teacher (02/01/98)

Tributes to a remarkable teacher

Among the tributes paid in 1976 to Valentina Pereyaslavec from company directors and leading ballet dancers on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of her teaching career at the American Ballet Theatre School in New York were the following:

"She is undoubtedly one of the greatest teachers today."

- Lucia Chase, former director, American Ballet Theatre School, New York

"...one of the most wonderful teachers in the western world..."

- Brian Shaw

"The power Mme. Pereyaslavec exercises over the students: an intense, stoic discipline, rewarded by exploding into a vibrant sense of rhythm, creating an almost heroic exaltation.

In other words putting you through extremes of repressing and expressing maximum effort (in the form of rhythm), giving you already a taste of the great stage dancing, in its utmost power and intensity.

A remarkable woman, totally possessed by her love and devotion to dance."

- Violette Verdy

"Valentina Pereyaslavec is a great teacher. I was lucky to fall into her hands when I came from Russia where things were slightly disorganized. The discipline in her class helps to focus on one's work. Her classes give fantastic strength. My work with her helps me to maintain myself so well.

I brought Margot (Fonteyn) to her class. She was apprehensive. Nevertheless, since the first lesson, she never misses the opportunity to take her class. Often, Margot makes a special stopover in New York on her way to Australia or Panama in order to take Mme. Pereyaslavec's class. Margot says that if you survive Madame's barre, you can survive anything.

Although she is stern and demanding, after class she turns into the softest person, like a mother. In class she is possessed by the muse, a priestess of dance.

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary and many more to come."

- Rudolf Nureyev

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