CT000177 – Shoes, Elmira, 1933

Part of the One Minute Wonders trail, a story written by one of our volunteers, inspired by objects on display.

By Elaine Chambers

Two pink and golden satin ballet shoes lay motionless. They were worn by the ballerina Galina Siderenko for Les Ballets 1933, created by the artisan Elmira.

Les Ballet 1933 was started by Boris Kochno and George Balanchine, which Balanchine used to create new works that were completely his own.

Strength, speed, dedication and desire are characteristics that personify the elite athlete. The ballerina has all these qualities but what sets them apart?

Is it the ability to create the illusion of effortlessness? Or to illuminate human emotion with movement to music?

Imagine for a moment stepping into these shoes, taking a step back in time, rising up onto the toes, gliding across the stage. How do you think it would feel?