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Inspiration from the Ganjou Brothers and Juanita

I am so very grateful to have been the recipient of the Serge Ganjou Award for four years in a row now; an Award that has helped a great deal to support my training in Moscow. Not only has the Award provided me with much appreciated opportunity, it also comes with a fascinating back story.

Serge Ganjou was one of three Polish brothers who formed a variety act with a British, female, classically trained dancer – Joy, or Juanita, who became Serge’s wife – the Ganjou Brothers and Juanita.  I thought you might like to see their amazing act which you can see in the YouTube film below.  There is also an interview with Serge and Joy at the end of the clip.  Forward to about two minutes into the film to see the start of the main act.

The Ganjou Brothers and Juanita toured the act across the world during the 30s, 40s and 50s.  It’s truly an amazing act and I’m pleased to carry the legacy forward as a result of the support that has been kindly provided via the Grand Order of Water Rats, who administer the Awards.

Follow my career as a professional classical dancer on my Instagram page here.

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  2. A well deserved award to a hard working ballerina, you would make them very proud, like you do all of us back here in blighty (beautiful Harlequin poster girl by the way) – Claire B xx

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    1. Thank you so much, Claire – I miss you all sooooo much. I can’t wait till I’m back again to see you, Andrew and all the kiddies. I hope the marathon training is going well 🙂 xxx

      Reply

  3. I was fascinated to read this. My mother was a member of the Corona Babes dance troupe. She was the replacement for Juanita for some of the rehearsals! My grand-daughter is a student at Ballet West in Scotland.

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    1. Hello Linda – thank you for getting in touch via my blog! How fabulous that your mother was also part of this fabulous act! Another fascinating fact to add to the legacy. Good luck to your grand-daughter in carrying on your family’s ballet tradition at Ballet West x

      Reply

      1. Hello Tala, lovely to hear from you. I loved seeing the dance video from Miami. Congratulations on winning the Serge Ganjou prize! Good luck and best wishes for the future. Linda McLeod

        Sent from my iPad

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