The legendary ballerina was born in 1881 in St.-Petersburg. After graduating from St.-Petersburg Theatre College she was enrolled to the troupe of Mariinsky Ballet. Anna danced parts in classical ballets 'Nutcracker', 'Konyok Gorbunok/The Humpbacked Horse', 'Raimonda', 'Bayaderka'and 'Jizel'. Pavlova's natural gift and thorough perfecting of artistic skills helped her to become the leading ballerina of the troupe. Pavlova's performing manner was greatly influenced by working with innovators of ballet, choreographers A. Gorsky and especially Mikhail Fokin. Anna Pavlova starred in Fokin's ballets Shopeniana, Armida's Pavilion, Egypt Nights, and others. 1907 saw the appearance of the Dying Swan miniature destined to become the poetic symbol of Russian ballet of the 20th century. The miniature was staged by Fokin specially for Anna Pavlova.

In 1909 Pavlova took part in Dyagilev's Russian Seasons in Paris that laid the beginning for her world fame. Poster with her silhouette drawn by Valentin Serov became the emblem of the Russian Seasons. In 1910 the ballerina founded her own troupe and settled in London. She toured the world with her company performing classical ballets by Tchaikovsky and A. Glazunov. Specially for Pavlova's troupe Fokin staged a number of ballets, among them 'Seven Daughters of the Mountain King'.

Anna Pavlova became a legend when alive. She died of pleurisy when on tour in Haag in January 1931.