Dancing for de Basil

Letters to her Parents from Rosemary Deveson, 1938-1940
Editor: Leland Windreich
With an Introduction by Karen Kain

What is life really like in a big ballet company?

In 1938, at age 16, Rosemary Deveson joined the Ballets Russes after a hurried midnight audition in Vancouver for Colonel de Basil and David Lichine. She signed a contract that morning, and with her friend Patricia Meyers, joined the famous ballet company. Within a year she had performed across Europe, studied in Paris with Olga Preobrajenska, and was growing up very fast.

Dancer and teacher Fabyenne Gosselin says: This is real history! Through Rosemary Deveson’s honest young eyes we can glimpse into the world of the Ballets Russes. Her lively courageous spirit shines through in this engaging snapshot of a dancer’s passion and love of dance.

About the Author
Leland Windreich is a Vancouver-based writer who has published in Canadian, American and British dance journals including Dance International, Dance Magazine and Ballet Review. His special interest encompasses the post-Diaghilev Ballets Russes, particularly the Canadian dancers who performed with these companies.