Les Ballet Russes

The Ballets Russes, under the direction of Sergei Diaghilev, performed in Paris from 1909 to 1929.  It is considered one of the most influential theatre companies of the 20th century.  The company was a huge success for combining new forms of dance, art, music and costume. Dance due to the creative, modern choreography they developed (assisting in creating a new form of dance referred to as Expressionist Dance) and their highly technical execution.  Music due to their collaborations with Igor Stravinsky.  Art due to their collaborations with rising contemporary artists who created sets including Braque, Picasso, Matisse, Miro, de Chirico, Dali, and Utrillo.  Costume due to the great designs of Léon Bakst, that heavily influenced the Parisian fashion when they debuted.  Paul Poiret, for instance, was extremely influenced by Léon Bakst's costume designs.  Bakst's designs with bold hues, embroideries, heavy appliqué, 'harem' silhouettes was known as Orientalism.

Illustrations by Léon Bakst

 Much is being done around the world to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Ballets Russe.  In Paris, the Theatre des Champs-Elysées is hosting the Kremlin Ballet to present 4 ballets in 3 days.  The shows run June 19-21.  We are particularly interested in seeing Le Dieu Bleu with Indian-inspired costumes.  More celebrations are happening this year in Monaco, Boston and Sydney to name a few.

A 1912 Costume from Le Dieu Bleu, designed by Léon Bakst