Vera Karalli

Karalli, Vera (also Vera Coralli or Vera Koralli;b Moscow, 8 Aug. 1889, d Baden, nr. Vienna, 16 Nov. 1972). Russian dancer. She studied with Gorsky at the Imperial Theatre School, Moscow, and joined the Bolshoi in 1906 where she was promoted ballerina in 1914. In 1909 and again between 1919 and 1920 she also danced with Diaghilev's company, performing in Pavillon d'Armide, Thamar, and Prince Igor. One of her most celebrated stage roles was Giselle. Though never a great technician, her charismatic stage presence and dramatic talent brought her considerable fame and she became one of Russia's first film stars. She was ballet mistress in Bucharest (1930-7) then had a studio in Paris (1938-41), after which she taught in Vienna.