Point shoe worn by Margrethe Schanne in the title role of the ballet "La Sylphide" Signed and inscribed to Cyril Beaumont. Mid 20th century.

Pink satin point shoe worn on left foot, darned, with ribbons attached. Size 3/A with scored sole, made by Frederick Freed. Inscribed on inner sides: "Sylphiden" and "Sylphiden / for / Cyril Beaumont / from yours / Margrethe Schanne"

Cyril W. Beaumont Bequest

One of a collection of signed ballet shoes given by various dancers to the dance critic and historian Cyril Beaumont.
The shoe was worn by the Danish ballerina Margrethe Schanne in the title role of the ballet "La Sylphide", probably with the Royal Danish Ballet. Schanne took over the role on the retirement of Margot Lander in 1948.
The soles of ballet shoes were often scored, either by the manufacturer or the dancers, to give improved grip on stage.
The shoe came to the Museum as part of the Cyril Beaumont Bequest.

Historical significance: An example of an English mid-20th century ballet shoe. Ballet shoes made in different countries are indicative of the different needs of the dancers and the choreography of the time.
The ballet shoe is the most personal of dance aretfacts, as each dancer is responsible for darning and stitching on the ribbons to suit her own personal preferences and each dancer 'wears' out the shoe in a different way, according to her physique and the role. The dancer darning shoes is a potent image in 20th century dance iconography, a symbol of at once her drugery and humility.
A shoe worn by a great dancer in a particular role on a certain night (such as a premiere) and signed, dated, and dedicated to the recepient, implying that the recepient was with the dancer at the time, attains almost iconic significance for balletomanes.

S.796A-1981