Mieczyslaw Pianowski

Mieczyslaw Pianowski was a Polish-American dancer, choreographer, ballet director, and ballet teacher. He was a soloist in Anna Pavlova's company, and he was her ballet master for 13 years.

Career Pianowski received his early training at the Warsaw Ballet School in Warsaw, Poland. From 1905 to 1915, he performed as a principal dancer with the Warsaw Grand Opera Theater Ballet Company, where he played a central role in the company's performances. In 1915, Pianowski went under contract with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballet Russe and remained with the troupe for about 3 years.

Pianowski met Ana Pavlova in 1918 while touring with the Italian Opera Company in Santiago Chile. It was said that Pavlova was greatly impressed by his talent, leading to his appointment as a soloist and assistant in her company. He later assumed the position of chief ballet master, a role he held until the company disbanded following Pavlova's death in 1931. Every Saturday after Pianowski's performance, he would return to his wife and son at their country home. That same year, the Germans invaded Poland, the opera house was bombed and Pianowski was taken to a concentration camp in Germany where he was forced to labor in a munitions factory. On July 16, 1958, Pianowski was reunited with his wife thanks to the efforts of Neil and Camille Hess in Amarillo. In 1958, Pianowski and Sabina moved to Seattle for Sabina's health. In 1962, Neill Hess received a letter from Pianowski’s physician informing him that Pianowski had been diagnosed with cancer. In response, Mr. Hess and his wife secured an apartment for the Pianowskis and arranged for their return to Amarillo.