Butsova, Hilda (1896–1976)

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Butsova, Hilda (1896–1976)

English ballet dancer. Name variations: Hilda Boot; Hilda Butsova Mills. Born Hilda Boot, July 11, 1896, in Nottingham, England; died Mar 21, 1976, in White Plains, NY.

At 13, performed with Diaghilev Ballet Russe in London; toured with Anna Pavlova's company and remained with company, serving as Pavlova's understudy and dancing principal roles (1911–29); moved to US (1930); toured with Mikhail Mordkin's company intermittently; appeared at Capitol Theater in New York City, directed by Chester Hale; danced at Capitol with other Pavlova dancers: Ella Dagnova and Joyce Coles; retired to teach (mid-1930s) and was celebrated as a master trainer of Russian classical repertory.