Sergei Diaghilev
Sergei Diaghilev (1872-1929), Russian ballet impresario and founder of the pallets Russes. His company, which introduced Russian ballet to Western Europe, was formed in Paris in 1909 and won international fame for its often sensational productions. Diaghilev’s genius was in bringing together outstanding artists, composers, choreographers, and dancers, including Picasso, Cocteau, Ravel, Stravinsky, Paylova, and Nijinsky. The results influenced ballet companies throughout the world. Among Diaghilev’s most famous productions are Stravinsky’s Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913).
