Vera Zorina, German-Norwegian actress and dancer (d. 2003)

Vera Zorina: A Multifaceted Star of Ballet, Stage, and Screen

Born Eva Brigitta Hartwig on January 2, 1917, in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway, Vera Zorina captivated audiences across multiple artistic disciplines throughout her distinguished career. She was a prodigious talent who achieved renown as an exceptional ballerina, a compelling theatre and film actress, and a subtle choreographer. Zorina's journey began with a strong foundation in classical dance, studying with renowned European masters such as Nicolas Legat in London and Mary Wigman in Dresden, which laid the groundwork for her elegant and expressive stage presence. Her international ballet career commenced at a young age, leading her to perform with prestigious companies like the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, where she honed her artistry before transitioning into the glittering world of Broadway and Hollywood.

The Pivotal Collaboration with George Balanchine

Today, Vera Zorina is predominantly celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to cinema, particularly her memorable film performances that were ingeniously choreographed by her then-husband, the legendary George Balanchine (1904-1983). Balanchine, widely regarded as the "father of American ballet" and co-founder of the New York City Ballet, recognized Zorina's unique blend of classical training and cinematic charisma. Their artistic partnership transcended the traditional boundaries of dance and film, creating iconic sequences that integrated the fluidity of ballet with the narrative demands of Hollywood musicals and dramas. This creative synergy allowed Zorina to bring sophisticated dance to a broader audience, elevating her status as a singular talent who seamlessly blended the grace of the ballet stage with the allure of the silver screen.

Iconic Film Appearances and Choreographed Masterpieces

Zorina's collaborations with Balanchine produced some of her most enduring screen moments, showcasing her versatility and captivating audiences with her extraordinary dance abilities. Key among these are:

• The "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" sequence from On Your Toes (1939): This particular sequence is arguably Zorina's most famous and significant contribution to film history. Originating in the highly successful 1936 Broadway musical of the same name, On Your Toes was revolutionary for being the first Broadway production to truly integrate ballet into its narrative as a crucial plot device. When adapted for the screen by Warner Bros., Balanchine recreated his dynamic choreography, allowing Zorina to star alongside Eddie Albert in this dramatic ballet finale, which vividly depicted a gangster ballet. Its integration into the plot was unprecedented for its time, proving that ballet could be both critically acclaimed and commercially appealing within a mainstream musical.
• The Goldwyn Follies (1938): Produced by the esteemed Samuel Goldwyn and released by United Artists, this musical extravaganza marked Zorina's Hollywood debut. As one of the earliest films to utilize Technicolor extensively, The Goldwyn Follies offered a vibrant canvas for Balanchine's elaborate choreographies, allowing Zorina to showcase her classical ballet technique in spectacular, visually stunning numbers.
• I Was an Adventuress (1940): In this romantic drama from 20th Century Fox, Zorina took on a more dramatic acting role, performing alongside legendary figures such as Erich Von Stroheim and Peter Lorre. While not primarily a dance film, it demonstrated her range beyond pure ballet performances, solidifying her presence as a dramatic actress in Hollywood.
• Louisiana Purchase (1941): A Technicolor musical comedy from Paramount Pictures, this film saw Zorina starring opposite the immensely popular comedian Bob Hope. Her elegant dance numbers provided a sophisticated contrast to Hope's comedic antics, further cementing her appeal as a leading lady capable of holding her own in diverse film genres.
• Dancing to "That Old Black Magic" in Paramount Pictures' Star Spangled Rhythm (1942): In this star-studded musical revue, Zorina delivered a mesmerizing performance set to the classic song "That Old Black Magic." Her interpretive dance to Harold Arlen's iconic melody became one of the film's standout moments, showcasing her ability to convey emotion and narrative through movement, cementing her status as a compelling dance performer on screen.

Beyond the Screen: A Life in the Arts

While her film legacy with Balanchine remains her most widely recognized contribution, Vera Zorina's artistic life extended far beyond Hollywood. She continued to perform extensively on Broadway, notably in productions such as the aforementioned On Your Toes, and later transitioned into a successful career as an opera director, working with prestigious companies like the Santa Fe Opera. In her later years, she also served as an arts consultant and board member for various cultural institutions, dedicating her life to nurturing the arts. Vera Zorina passed away on April 9, 2003, at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich legacy as a pioneering artist who gracefully navigated the worlds of classical ballet, Broadway theatre, and motion pictures, forever influencing the integration of dance in popular culture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vera Zorina

Who was Vera Zorina?

Vera Zorina, born Eva Brigitta Hartwig, was a highly acclaimed Norwegian ballerina, theatre and film actress, and choreographer. She was particularly noted for her classical ballet background and her influential collaborations with choreographer George Balanchine in Hollywood films.

What made Vera Zorina famous in film?

Vera Zorina gained significant fame in film for her unique ability to bring classical ballet to the screen. Her collaborations with her then-husband, George Balanchine, resulted in groundbreaking dance sequences that seamlessly integrated ballet into mainstream Hollywood productions, making complex dance forms accessible to a wider audience.

What was the significance of Vera Zorina's role in On Your Toes?

Zorina's performance in the "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" sequence from On Your Toes was highly significant because the original Broadway musical was revolutionary for being the first to use ballet as an integral plot device. Her cinematic portrayal of this sequence cemented its status as a landmark moment in the history of film and musical theatre, showcasing ballet's dramatic potential.

Who was George Balanchine and what was his relationship with Vera Zorina?

George Balanchine was one of the 20th century's most influential choreographers, often called the "father of American ballet," and co-founder of the New York City Ballet. He was Vera Zorina's first husband, and their partnership was a pivotal force in her career, as he choreographed many of her most memorable film dance sequences, bridging the gap between classical ballet and Hollywood cinema.

What other artistic pursuits did Vera Zorina have beyond dancing and acting?

After her prominent careers in ballet and film, Vera Zorina transitioned into directing opera productions for various companies, including the Santa Fe Opera. She also dedicated her later years to arts advocacy, serving as a consultant and board member for numerous cultural institutions, further demonstrating her lifelong commitment to the arts.