This is the “standardized text” version of the Mascot Moskovina documents. This version is presented in an easily readable and searchable format. Punctuation is modernized and inserted where needed for clarity. Abbreviations are spelled out, insertions are incorporated, and crossouts and duplicate words are deleted. First words in sentences have been capitalized; other capitalization issues have not been edited. Moskovina’s spelling is routinely irregular and creative; where it is possible to discern her meaning, spelling has been standardized.


[p. 1]
[letterhead]
“GRAN HOTEL DE ROMA”
de
Ramón Casal y Cía.
CANGALLO 759
Unión Telef. 942, Avenida
BUENOS AIRES

Buenos Aires, _____ de 191.

My dear little Nondas.
But pardon me I hear you are 5 ft. so I must alter that phrase. I was so pleased to receive Both yours and your dear Mama’s letter. I am glad you like the postcard but I think that is a good idea to keep them and when I get to New York send you a registered package of postcards and also copies of some of my most interesting snapshots. In your dear Mama’s letter I have described the lovely trip, or rather it would have been lovely had we had better weather, across the Andes. I was cold up there but here I am cold too my feet freezing and my heavy coat on[.] You’re laughing but it’s no fun. I had to scold your Mama in my note to her. She knows best why and if she does the same again I will come and spank you both. In Santiago we had a slight earth quake. We were just having the interval at the theater. The public was in a bit of a panic but calmed down, but Pavlova was crying and very upset. We gave there for the first time since 3 or 4 years Oriental. It certainly was a magnificent affair.Pavlova had a gorgeous new costume on of green silk tights with black sequined net over and gold shoes and pearl trimmings and— Oh well, I will try and draw it if possible and there you can best see, although I am no artist at it. It is a pity the mail

[p. 2]
takes so long and it is practically useless to send postcards out as they steal them before they leave the country a gentleman told me. We also gave Orphé a Greek Ballet. Is it not funny how some people who can hardly move their two feet, let alone dance, can make a success and get on the stage? For instance, in Santiago was a dancer named Ruskia. Well really I never saw such a fright of a girl in my life. And her toe dancing was absolutely impossible and the other style too. She had no grace of body at all and yet she had a theater by herself and even managed to have it fairly filled even although our Company was there. The Ju◊ier still what I saw was a German boy Deilsh who danced on his toes but who was a little crazy for he thought himself better than Pavlova and came to offer himself to the Company. But the moment he started the B. M.—Mr. Christine stopped him as we were all in hysterics over him, and Mr. Dandre told him he could not engage him as he might be a rival to Mme. Pavlova and really the poor fool behaved if he actually wanted to turn up in a tarlatan and pink tights but someone luckily warned him. Your dear Mama asked how is X nowadays. Well I really think she is more cranky and nasty than she ever has been in her whole life & Clue & X are constantly fighting when there is a rehearsal and it certainly

[p. 3]
is getting different. The whole Company has changed the aspect and all of Course our Company still and always will carry the distinction of being 1st class and the most respectable theatrical Company touring & the most refined. Diaghilev’s are coming here too But they have a very poor Company this time. I want to sew and do several little things but really it is too cold. I am really anxious because I have received nothing else but a postcard on my birthday from home. I will finish this letter now. And I send you
Love and Kisses from,
Mascot

[drawing of dancer and costume with parts numbered]
1x Bear Collar.
1 Perils. [pearls]
2 Gold colored Brocade.
3 Sequined Black net.
4 Green tights.
5 Green satin
6 Black Velvet.

[p. 4]
Exercise I. [two stick figures] 2nd Position [stick figure] points
hold on to a table or something strong and stand in the 2nd Position and plié very very slowly keeping heels on the floor then rise slowly and slowly draw yourself on the points knees straight. Do this about 8 to 10 times.

Exercise II.
Stand in first position [stick figure] Both feet together [stick figure] rise on half point plié [stick figure] and rise on the points [stick figure]. This also 8 to 10 times.

Exercise III
Plié in 5th Position well closed < feet [sketch of feet] > [stick figure] slowly rise, circle arms around the head [stick figure showing arms circling] then developpé front foot [stick figure] raise on half point lower the foot and do the same on the left side Plié again circle the arms and developpé to the back [ditto marks to indicate repeat above Plié again circle the arms and developpé to] the side called à la seconde [stick figure] raise as before and do same to left. This is very good for balance.

Exercise IV.
Plié en 5th < feet well closed > [drawing of feet in 5th] raise slowly developpé to the side (à la seconde) slowly turn your body [stick figure] into arabesque. [two stick figures] slowly plié raise up [stick figure] and bring foot back into 5th position do the same to right.

I suppose you know all the barre practice a little no matter how everything seems against it. You are very young Nondas and as long as you are limber, one can always be hopeful for dancing if not classical perhaps character. I wish I could < have you near me. I am nothing much of a dancer but I know quite a lot about it and would teach you every day. >

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