Irina

From a turbulent beginning in Russia to world fame and beyond, this is the vivid, moving story of Irina Baronova's extraordinary life.

Irina was born into a privileged family, whose world was changed forever by the Bolsheviks. They fled Russia to poverty in Bucharest, but Irina's mother was determined that her daughter learn ballet. Her first lessons were taken with the kitchen table as a barre.

Her family struggled to take Irina to Paris, where she made her debut,...
More Description

From a turbulent beginning in Russia to world fame and beyond, this is the vivid, moving story of Irina Baronova's extraordinary life.

Irina was born into a privileged family, whose world was changed forever by the Bolsheviks. They fled Russia to poverty in Bucharest, but Irina's mother was determined that her daughter learn ballet. Her first lessons were taken with the kitchen table as a barre.

Her family struggled to take Irina to Paris, where she made her debut, aged eleven, with the Paris Opera. Spotted by the legendary choreographer George Balanchine, she joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. She quickly rose to fame as one the three 'Baby Ballerinas' and toured the world, working with a dazzling array of great names.

Later Irina starred in films, danced with American Ballet Theatre and appeared in plays. But when she met Cecil Tennant, theatrical agent to stars such as Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, Irina had to choose between the limelight and life as a wife and mother . . .