The costume is made from a fashionable woman's costume of the 1880s and substantially altered. It may have been altered while the troupe was touring in Europe, Africa, Asia or Australia.

The costume is made from a fashionable woman's costume of the 1880s and appears to have ben worn by both Maria and Ysidra Fernandez y Santos. This costume would have been continuously repaired in order to extend its lifespan.

This costume was the Parisian dancer's costume of Maria Jandaschewsky, the sister of Guillaume, and 'prima ballerina' of troupe Zig Zag. The costume was later given to Ysidra Fernandez y Santos, the wife of Arthur 'Jandy' Jandaschewsky (Maria Jandaschewsky's nephew). Ysidra was also a dancer with the troupe Zig Zag.
The costume was made from a fashionable woman's outfit of the 1880s. It does not appear that the jacket was ever worn. The skirt has been substantially shortened and a deep pink satin hem added. This would have drawn attention to the dancer's legs as the skirt 'kicked up' during a performance. It is possible that Maria danced the 'can can' in this costume. The bodice is worn and stained showing clear evidence of use in performance.
Probably worn during tours of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
The Jandaschewsky family collection was kept together by the last remaining family member, Arthur 'Jandy' Jandaschewsky. During the last years of his life 'Jandy' sold the collection to his friend John Anastasiadis. Mr Anastasiadis kept the collection for a 25 year period, having built a repository for housing and exhibiting it at his own home. In 1994 the MAAS acquired the collection from Mr Anastasiadis in order to keep it together, and in New South Wales, according to 'Jandy's' wishes.

Costume, circus, 'Parisian' dancer's dress with matching jacket, silk brocade/lace, maker and place unknown, 1880-1900
Dancer's costume, consisting of a dress and matching jacket of mint green silk brocade, trimmed with Spanish lace, this was the 'Parisian' costume of Maria Jandaschewsky.
(-1) Dress with cream silk bodice, elbow length puff sleeves, and a round neck, with a short, full skirt consisting of an overskirt of mint green sik brocade, with pink satin underskirt, gathered at the waist, around the waist is a black velvet cumberbund laced up the front with a gold metallic ribbon, attached to this is a small lace apron (hand embroidery on machine made net).
(-2) Jacket of mint green silk brocade, with fitted bodice, round, collarless neck, and 3/4 length puff sleeves, trimmed with lace at the neck, sleeves, and waist. The laces do not match, and that on the sleeves appears to be a modern, machine made replacement.

Made: 1880 - 1900


Used: Jandaschewsky, Maria 'Mary'; France

Used: Jandaschewsky, Maria 'Mary'; Europe

Used: Jandaschewsky, Maria 'Mary'; Asia

Used: Jandaschewsky, Maria 'Mary'; Australia

Owned: Jandaschewsky family; France

Owned: Jandaschewsky family; Australia

95/28/3

1880 - 1900

410 mm