The Paleys (1921-1927) - An Alternate Romanov Story

A Visit to the Theater

The rehearsal was not as intimate as Natalia had hoped. It took place on the same grand stage where the Ballet Russes typically performed, and while the seats weren't fully occupied, there was a sizeable audience. Most of the onlookers were well-dressed patrons whose generous support kept the company afloat.

When Natalia and a wide-eyed Sonya arrived, they were greeted by none other than Sergei Diaghilev himself, who stood near the entrance, overseeing the arrivals. Natalia suspected he hadn't been expecting her—she hadn't sent word of her visit—but if he was surprised, he didn't show it.

"Ah, Princess!" Diaghilev exclaimed, seeming genuinely delighted. His sharp eyes sparkled as he extended a hand. "What an unexpected pleasure."

Natalia smiled warmly, charmed as always by his theatrical manner. 

"I hope we're not intruding. I couldn't resist the chance to see the company in rehearsal."

"Not at all, my dear," he said, his voice dropping into an intimate murmur as though sharing a secret. "It is always a privilege to have such distinguished company. And who is this lovely creature with you?" He turned his gaze to Sonya, who looked equal parts terrified and thrilled under his attention.

"This is Sonya, my sister's lady-in-waiting. She's been kind enough to accompany me."

Diaghilev bowed his head graciously. "Then I must thank you, Miss Sonya, for allowing the princess to brighten our rehearsal."

He turned back to Natalia, seamlessly transitioning into polite inquiries about her family. 

"And how is your dear father? And your sister—how is she faring with the little one?"

Natalia answered excitedly, grateful for his charm. He listened attentively, nodding at appropriate moments, and then, with a flourish of his hand, he offered to escort them to their seats.

They were led to prime positions near the stage, close enough to hear the murmur of conversations among the dancers, the sharp instructions of the choreographer, and the occasional laughter from the costume designers who worked on last-minute adjustments at the wings. It was a hive of activity, buzzing with energy and creativity.

As Natalia settled into her seat, she glanced at Sonya, whose eyes were wide with wonder as she took in the organized chaos. Diaghilev leaned closer to Natalia before retreating to his duties.

"Enjoy the magic," he said with a smile. "This, my dear, is where the real brilliance happens."

The atmosphere in the large hall was an interesting mixture of chaos and decorum. Most patrons in the audience behaved with the same grace and poise they always displayed during the spectacles, but the scene up on stage could not have been more different.

There were a lot of dancers there who, instead of the elaborate costumes Natalia was used to seeing them in, were wearing practical leotards and tights that allowed them to move more freely. Both the lower dancers from the Ballet Corps and the main dancers were there, mingling and talking to each other as if there were no differences in status among them. And, while all this was happening, other people working on the production walked around them in regular clothing as if it was the most natural thing in the world. 

Stage managers and carpenters measured the stage to fit the sets later on. The choreographer barked orders to the dancers, reminding them which act they would start with while the musicians in the orchestra pit tuned their instruments. The stage was a massive machine that needed to be perfectly tuned to deliver the performances that blew so many people away.

In the midst of this controlled mayhem, Natalia took a moment to spot Serge. He stood near the back of the stage, stretching as the choreographer spoke to him. His brow furrowed in concentration, and his hands gesticulated animatedly as he nodded and occasionally added his own suggestions.