Foundations of the founders
HISTORY OF PERFORMING ARTS IN PITTSBURGH
NICOLAS PETROV
Nicolas Petrov was born in Yugoslavia on December 13, 1933. His dance career began in 1946 when he was auditioned and selected by agents of the U.S.S.R. from the newly formed Ballet Division of the Government Theatrical School. In Belgrade, he studied at the Government School of Dance, and he continued to train in Paris, France.
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Nicolas directed the Petrov Ballet Company, which toured throughout Europe. In 1967, Petrov and his wife, Mary, arrived in Pittsburgh and helped to create the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and he became the director of dance at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. The following year, Point Park College acquired the Playhouse, and the Petrovs launched the school's dance program.
mary PETROV
Mary was born Marion Brookes in South Africa, where her dance training began. Her studies continued throughout Europe, notably in Yugoslavia, England, and France. She met Nicolas while touring, and the two married on April 11, 1956. Like her husband, Mary's dance studies included classes from Martha Graham.
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Mary danced with Leonide Massine's ballet in Paris, and performed as a soloist with the Michele Fokine Ballet Company in Florence, Italy. Both Nicolas and Mary Petrov had experience in the film industry in Europe, appearing in movies and television shows.
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Together, the Petrovs helped to create the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, as well as the dance program at Point Park College.