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The rich and fascinating Makaroff Legacy began with Nikolai and Juanita Makaroff, founders of the area's oldest ballet school, The Makaroff School of Ballet.
Nikolai, born in Russia , was trained in the studios of the Bolshoi Theatre. He danced with the Red Army Corps., touring through Russia . Then he was captured by the Nazis during World War II. When the war ended, Nikolai and other performers traveled throughout Europe performing for war survivors in hopes of lifting the people's spirits, as well as earning a meal. Bob Hope happened to see Nikolai dance, as did Angelo Roncalli, then Cardinal of Venice, who later became Pope John, XXIII. The Don Cossack Chorus hired Nikolai, touring throughout Europe and the US. It was in New York City that Nikolai met his future wife, Juanita, who was a professional level student at the prestigious School of American Ballet , the school of the New York City Ballet. George Balanchine was director at that time. After marrying and starting a family, the couple moved to Appleton to be closer to Juanita's family.
In 1960, the Makaroffs founded The Makaroff School of Ballet , and their reputations for ballet excellence quickly reached the ears of famed Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi. Lombardi hired Nikolai to teach ballet to the Packers, including Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, and others. Lombardi understood the athletic strength and balance required of ballet dancers, and wanted the Packers to have the same training.
Today, daughter Jeanette Makaroff continues her family's legacy of excellence in ballet. |
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