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At certain moments in Australian cultural history, dance has been the prime artistic force of the day.

In the 1920s the legendary dancer Anna Pavlova took Australia by storm; she was one of the first international stars to include Australia on her extensive touring circuit. Following in the footsteps of Pavlova, and building upon her successes, the Ballets Russes (Russian Ballet) companies of Colonel Wassily de Basil made three tours to Australia between 1936 and 1940.

The impact and allure of Pavlova and the Russian companies was extraordinary. Australians were captivated.

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