(1881-1931)
Victoria Palace Theatre, Victoria Street, London SW1E 5EA
There can’t be many better accolades than having a dessert named after you.*
Born into poverty in St Petersburg, Russia, Anna trained at the city’s Imperial Ballet school culminating in her reaching top rank of prima ballerina in 1906. Famously known for her performances, particularly The Dying Swan, she toured worldwide and set up her own dance company in 1913. However, she settled in London and made it her adoptive home. It was whilst she was touring that she contracted pneumonia and died at the age of 49.
The statue was erected in 1911, and it was said that Pavlova considered it unlucky for her to see it, so she avoided it at all costs. It was taken down in 1939 for safe-keeping during the war but the original did not return, and a replica was installed in 2006, complete with head spike and netting to deter pigeons.
Fortunately, from my angle the bird deterrent hardly plays in the shot, although I’m slightly concerned of being accused of upskirting…..
*Meringue based dessert originating in the antipodes in the early 20th century. Apparently the Aussies and the Kiwis are still fighting over the origins.
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