Shabelska, Maria (1898–1980)

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Shabelska, Maria (1898–1980)

Russian ballet dancer and teacher. Name variations: Maria Yakovleff. Born Sept 7, 1898, in St. Petersburg, Russia; died May 14, 1980, in Brattleboro, VT; m. Alex Yakovleff (ballet dancer, died 1930s).

Performed with Diaghilev Ballet Russe, most notably as The Little American Girl in Massine's Parade; with husband, performed at Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires and taught classes at Ned Wayburn Studio in NY (1920s); joined Detroit Civic Opera where she served as resident choreographer and ballet master (1930s).

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