Terpsichore against the Sovnarkom: The ballet company of the Mariinsky theater in November 1917 – January 1918

Abstract

   The article examines the history of the ballet troupe of the Mariinsky Theater at the turn of 1917–1918 on the basis of archival material introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. After the October Revolution, the dancers led by T. P. Karsavina together with the other artists of the State theaters of Petrograd, declared their non-recognition of the Soviet government. However, already in December 1917, a split began to brew in the troupe, and individual supporters of the Bolsheviks appeared. The decisive days came at the beginning of January, when the representatives of the new government proceeded to the physical capture of the theater buildings and the lockout of those discontented. The ballet troupe for a number of reasons left without bright leaders at that time, adopted a resolution at a meeting on January 8 that placed moral responsibility on the authorities in case of violation of the “autonomous” rights of the ballet. However, the unwillingness of the artists to leave the theater (the dancers had nowhere to go) forced them to negotiate with People’s Commissar A. V. Lunacharsky. At the end of January during the negotiations, the ballet troupe was already discussing the issue of salary standards, which actually marked the end of “sabotage” and the recognition of the power of the Bolsheviks.