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The Brynners in the Far East Russia and Beyond: A Legacy of Dance and Cultural Exchange

Carlos Drummond

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Published in Empire And Odyssey: The Brynners In Far East Russia And Beyond

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The Brynner family, renowned worldwide for their contribution to the ballet world, traces its roots back to the Far East of Russia. From their humble beginnings in Yekaterinburg to their international fame on Broadway and Hollywood, the Brynners played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Russian dance.

The Early Years in Yekaterinburg

The Brynner family patriarch, Julius Brynner, was born in 1865 in the city of Yekaterinburg, which is located in the heart of the Ural Mountains. Julius was a renowned surgeon and a passionate patron of the arts. His home became a gathering place for local artists and intellectuals, including the ballet dancer and choreographer Alexander Gorsky. It was through Gorsky that Julius's son, Boris, was introduced to the world of ballet. Born in 1891, Boris possessed an extraordinary talent for dance and quickly rose through the ranks of the Yekaterinburg ballet school. However, his promising career was cut short by the outbreak of World War I.

Vladivostok: A New Beginning

In the aftermath of the war, the Brynners relocated to Vladivostok, a port city located on the Pacific coast. Boris resumed his dance studies there and quickly became one of the leading dancers in the Far East. In 1920, he married Tatiana Moiseyeva, a gifted ballet dancer and future ballet mistress. Together, Boris and Tatiana established a ballet school in Vladivostok, which quickly gained recognition for its high caliber of instruction. The school produced many talented dancers, including Igor Moiseyev, who would later become known as the "Father of Soviet Folk Dance."

Empire and Odyssey: The Brynners in Far East Russia and Beyond

by Rock Brynner

4.5 out of 5

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Emigration to China and Japan

In 1927, the Brynners were forced to flee Vladivostok due to the political turmoil in Russia. They settled in Harbin, China, where Boris founded the Harbin Russian Opera and Ballet Company. The company toured extensively throughout Asia and became a renowned showcase for Russian ballet. From Harbin, the Brynners moved to Japan, where Boris established the Tokyo Ballet School. The school played a pivotal role in popularizing Russian ballet in Japan and produced many notable dancers, including Yul Brynner, Boris's son.

Yul Brynner: Hollywood Icon and Cultural Ambassador

Yul Brynner was born in Vladivostok in 1920 and spent his early childhood in Harbin. At the age of 13, he moved to Paris with his mother and began studying ballet. In 1941, he made his Broadway debut in the musical "Lute Song." Brynner became an international star with his portrayal of the King of Siam in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "The King and I." He won Tony Awards for his performance in both the Broadway and London productions of the show. In addition to his acting career, Brynner was also a dedicated humanitarian and cultural ambassador. He served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations and was instrumental in promoting cultural exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The Brynner Legacy Today

The Brynner family's legacy continues to inspire generations of dancers and artists worldwide. The Yekaterinburg Ballet School, founded by Boris Brynner, remains one of the leading ballet schools in Russia. In 2015, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow hosted a gala performance in honor of the Brynner family's contribution to Russian ballet. The performance featured works by Alexander Gorsky, Igor Moiseyev, and Yul Brynner.

The Brynners' journey from the Far East Russia to the global stage is a testament to the power of art and cultural exchange. Through their dedication and passion, they not only shaped the landscape of Russian dance but also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of ballet around the world. Their legacy continues to inspire dancers and artists to this day, reminding us of the transformative power of art and the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.

Empire and Odyssey: The Brynners in Far East Russia and Beyond

by Rock Brynner

4.5 out of 5