LES BALLETS JANINE CHARRAT DE FRANCE
Janine Charrat was already a star at the age of twelve when, in 1938, her acting and dancing in the motion picture, "Ballerina," brought her international acclaim. A successful film career might have been hers, but instead she continued her ballet studies with the foremost teachers in Paris.
She soon attracted the attention of Serge Lifar, under whose sponsorship she made her first professional appearances. She became the partner of Roland Petit, and appeared with him in recitals over a three year period, with such success that the critics dubbed her the "Little Princess." When Petit formed his Ballets des Camps Elysees, she became a featured ballerina with the company. Other major companies sought her out, and soon her international reputation was established.
She added choreography to her accomplishments, and her works began to be performed throughout Europe. In 1952 Janine Charrat realized her dream of creating her own company, a virtuoso group in which each dancer is a highly accomplished artist. After its highly successful debut in Paris, a leading critic wrote, "The Little Princess in now our Queen!"
Sharing honors with Mlle. Charrat as prima ballerina is Helene Trailine. Born in France of Russian parentage, she began her career as a leading dancer with the Ballets des Champs Elysees, and she is popular as a guest artist in the major European festivals.
Josette Clavier, a native of Paris, received her training at the Paris Opera, where she became a premiere danseuse. She is frequently seen as guest artist with major ballet companies. From South America come Juan Giuliano, who is a great favorite in his native country, Argentina, and in Brazil, and Anna Kareen, a Brazilian. Heino Hallhuber, who shares honors with Giuliano, was born in Munich, and, as a boy, began his ballet career with the Bavarian State Opera. Since 1945 he has appeared throughout Europe with a number of outstanding ballet companies.