Flames of Paris (original Russian title Plamya Parizha) is a classical ballet with music by musicologist and composer Boris Asafyev based on songs of the French Revolution, and originally choreographed by Vasily Vainonen, with design by Vladimir Dmitriev.
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The choreography is mostly classical, but for the part of Therese, for example, Vainonen chose Leningrad character dancer, Nina Anisimova: she danced only character dances, displaying strong, expressive folk movements which symbolize the energy and the spirit of the crowd.
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In composing the choreography for this rich four-act ballet, Vasily Vainonen drew upon many different sources, as did the composer Boris Asafiev: The Flames of Paris blends classical and character dancing, court music and popular songs, solo performances and huge group scenes.