6 replies to this topic

[rg]

another example of the way in which the ballet got publicized mid-20th century.

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[Mel Johnson]

You have to wonder what story this picture tells without the prepared caption.  She's either letting her nails dry, or she's telling a war story:  "Well, there we was, 20,000 feet, and all of a sudden this Luftwaffe machine comes up from below, and must not have seen me, so I slips my bird over so I'm above and behind him...."

[cubanmiamiboy]

Ah...Toumanova's hands reminds me of something.  When I was a kid I remember other kids that were able to project those ondulations from their wrists to the fingertips.  I was never able to...my fingers were-(are)-always very straight...I wonder if that ability also comes from port de bras ballet training...

[Mel Johnson]

It's just hyperextension of the carpals and metacarpals.  Any joint can be hyperextended, and it can be somewhat cultivated, but it's mostly inborn.

[ViolinConcerto]

That position of the hands is often used in Balinese and Javanese dance -- possibly other forms of Indonesian dance.  Often with extended artificial metal fingernails.

[Mel Johnson]

It's also seen in Thai and Cambodian forms.

[cubanmiamiboy]

http://www.thai-blog...ia/dance_03.jpg