Bloomsbury Ballerina: Lydia Lopokova, Imperial Dancer and Mrs John Maynard Keynes

Born in 1891 in St Petersburg, Lydia Lopokova lived a long and remarkable life. Her vivacious personality and the sheer force of her charm propelled her to the top of Diaghilev's Ballet Russes. Through a combination of luck, determination and talent, Lydia became a star in Paris, a vaudeville favourite in America, the toast of Britain and then married the world-renowned economist and formerly homosexual, John Maynard Keynes.

Lydia's story links ballet and the Bloomsbury group, war, revolution and the economic policies of the super-powers. She was an immensely captivating, eccentric and irreverent personality: a bolter, a true bohemian and, eventually, an utterly devoted wife.

Short-listed for Sheridan Morley Prize for Best Theatre Biography 2009
Short-listed for Costa Biography Award 2008

“'Thorough and absorbing'”

Judith Mackrell has used her resources to rescue the ballerina from an undeserved obscurity - CONTEMPORARY REVIEW

In this lovingly crafted biography, Judith Mackrell restores to life a colourful bohemian character... a warm memorial to an almost-forgotten star - OBSERVER

Mackrell captures the fizz of Lopokova's personality, her lovability, and makes her come alive. - LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS - Alison Light

a superb new biography...Mackrell, with her insider's knowledge of ballet and theatre, lovingly recreates Lydia's many worlds - GAY & LESBIAN REVIEW

Thorough and absorbing - GOOD BOOK GUIDE

Judith Mackrell is a writer and dance critic for the Guardian. She lives in London with her husband and two sons.

Born in 1891 in St Petersburg, Lydia Lopokova lived a long and remarkable life. Her vivacious personality and the sheer force of her charm propelled her to the top of Diaghilev's Ballet Russes. Through a combination of luck, determination and talent, Lydia became a star in Paris, a vaudeville favourite in America, the toast of Britain and then married the world-renowned economist and formerly homosexual, John Maynard Keynes.Lydia's story links ballet and the Bloomsbury group, war, revolution and the economic policies of the super-powers. She was an immensely captivating, eccentric and irreverent personality: a bolter, a true bohemian and, eventually, an utterly devoted wife.

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