The print of dancers being presented, by Sir Kenneth MacMillan, to Her late Majesty, following a Jubilee performance at the ROH, is dear to my heart. The photograph captures my idols: MacMillan, Fonteyn and Nureyev, with our much loved Queen, together in one moment in time.
Sir Kenneth was an amazing choreographer, capable of creating in a number of different styles but always with passion, sensitivity and an eye for incredible beauty in line and movement. A great story teller, his pas de deux were often heart wrenching in their truth and humanity. My favourite choreographer, he was a diamond in the crown of the Royal Ballet.
Margot Fonteyn was my idol from childhood and led me to become the ‘Balletomane’ that I remain to this day, aged 80. When Rudolf Nureyev arrived and gave Fonteyn’s career a ‘second wind’ I was in heaven !
Fonteyn and Nureyev were like film stars: they were the Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton of the Ballet world. I followed their lives right up to each sad end.
Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 2nd, was an icon, too, for different reasons. Always elegant and to be admired for her devotion to duty. I love the fact that she looks so young and beautiful in this photograph.
So wonderful to see them all together !
The review above tells why I am delighted to own a copy of this picture but I shall now go on to criticise the physical item.
I am disappointed in the mounting of the photograph. The top and bottom borders are of equal width and the printed title of the photo, close to the bottom edge, throws the eye to imagine the bottom border is narrower than the top. In all my artistic education I have been told that, for a mounting to be pleasing to the eye, the bottom border should be wider than the top. Of course, once the photograph is properly mounted and framed, this can be corrected, but it was just a little disappointing when I first viewed the item.
( Still love it though ! )
