Dancing into the Unknown: My Life in the Ballets Russes and Beyond

What an amazing life - told superbly with no wasted words. It brings alive a past world full or art, dance, glamour and poverty and takes us around the world at that time.

Tamara Tchinarova made a new generation of fans when the documentary "Ballet Russes" was released. This included me. I have only a passing interest in ballet, but a lively interest in autobiography. The documentary interviewed a number of distinguished - indeed world famous - dancers trained under Fokine and Balanchine and performing mainly in the 30s and 40s. Among a galaxy of stars, Tamara shone with partiuclar brilliance: for her warmth, wisdom,generosity and insight. I was intrigued to know more, and followed up my interest with this autobiography. Reading the text is like a conversation with a delightful friend. Most enjoyable. Historically interesting. A heart-warming experience. One of the greats.

Tamara was my first experience of working with a Russian interpreter as early as 1970, in Scotland, middle England and our western English industries. We had our own scenery, rolling mills, furnaces and huge hydraulic motors. We had our moments too with difficult Soviet engineers looking for the best deal for their country from the multi-million machinery projects we agreed to supply. But Tamara danced her way so elegantly, through all our silly engineering issues and disagreements, always the lady, always the quiet beauty. And now having spent many years selling our business philosophies to the Soviets and then the Russians, I've had the opportunity to read about 'our Tamara' and reflect on how calmly she took all of our problems on-board in addition to all those of her own history and how she always had time for everyone. This book has filled me with a wish to find her again, whilst we still have time to share a memory together.

I was a neighbour of Tamara for a number of years and bought the book out of curiosity but once I started it could not put it down and finished it in the middle of the night. What a fascinating lady and what a great story. If only I had known, I would have spent more time talking to this extraordinary lady who really shows the meaning of true grit and determination. The story of her life spans over many important historic moments and she really brings to life the world of ballet and the passion it inhabits. A greatbook!!!

After the Russian Revolution, Tamara Tchinarova Finch and her mother were stranded in Paris. As a young ballet student, she was chosen by Balanchine to be a "baby ballerina" and danced in the Ballets Russes. She later survived a turbulent marriage to the actor Peter Finch. Her memoir has much to teach us about the history of Russia, ballet, and Hollywood personalities. But this indomitable, generous woman's best lesson is how to keep your spine straight through every kind of adversity. Her story is so full of drama, suspense and heart, you will stay up all night reading it.