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Ambrose, Kay

Ballet Impromptu: Variations on a theme. Signed by the author

Ballet Impromptu: Variations on a theme. Signed by the author

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Ambrose, Kay Ballet Impromptu: Variations on a theme.

London, Golden Galley Press, [1946].
4to, front., 94, [2] pp.

In original dark blue faux-leather with gilt lettering and decorations. Without dust jacket. The bottom margin of the title page is shorter than those on the other pages (a printing error).
In good condition, wear to spine, very faintly spotted.

Signed and inscribed to title by the author: ‘for Murray / with best wishes/ Kay Ambrose’.

The author of the book, Kay (Katherine) Ambrose (1914–1971), was an artist and designer renowned for her contributions to dance literature and stage design. Ambrose studied fine arts at Reading University between 1933–1936 and again in 1943–1944, excelling in drama, elocution, and dance. She made her mark as both an author and illustrator of numerous books on dance. In 1950, she became the artistic director of Ram Gopal's company, publishing 'Classical Dances and Costumes of India' in the same year. By 1951, she had become the artistic adviser of the National Ballet of Canada, designing approximately 30 productions before retiring in 1961.
In this book, Ambrose provides an in-depth exploration of dance, particularly ballet and its many forms. It includes chapters on topics such as the training and environment of dancers, the history and evolution of influential ballet companies like Ballet Rambert (a leading British dance company) and Sadler's Wells Ballet (a renowned London venue), and profiles of prominent figures such as Kurt Jooss and Ballets Russes dancers (Baranova, Riabouchinska, Toumanova). The book also features a chapter on 'Exotic Dances', highlighting Ratna Mohini, a Javanese dancer married to French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Ram Gopal, an influential Indian classical dancer.
The book is richly illustrated with Ambrose's own sketches and photographs.

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