Anna Pavlovna Pavlova (January 31, 1881 (Old Style)/February 12, 1881 (New Style) - January 23, 1931) was the most famous ballet dancer of the early 20th century. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia to a poor peasant family, she trained at the Imperial Ballet School until she graduated at age 18.
Then danced with the Mariinsky Theatre. In the first years of the Ballets Russes she worked briefly for Serge Diaghilev before founding her own company and performing throughout the world.
Her most famous showpiece was The Dying Swan choreographed for her by Michel Fokine. The music piece was the Swan part of Camille Saint-Saens the Carnival of the Animals.
She died of pleurisy in The Hague, Netherlands while touring. Her remains were recently moved to the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow.
The pavlova dessert was named after her, although its origins are disputed. Both Australia and New Zealand have claimed the credit.