Behind the Scenes at the Ballets Russes: Stories from a Silver Age

The Ballets Russes was a legendary ballet company that inspired a global following and kept Russian ballet traditions alive in the West during World War II and the Cold War. A new book offers previously unseen interviews and insights into the lives of its great figures, including Anna Pavlova, Alicia Markova, Leonide Massine, George Balanchine, and Anton Dolin.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Ballets Russes, a legendary ballet company of the twentieth century, was both iconic and enigmatic. Founded by Sergei Diaghilev, the company gained a vast international following, captivating audiences with its unique vision. During the mid-twentieth century, amidst the tumultuous years of World War II and the Cold War, the Ballets Russes companies played a crucial role in preserving the spirit and traditions of Russian ballet in the West. They embarked on extensive tours across America, Europe, and Australia, bringing the beauty and grace of Russian dance to a global audience. This remarkable new book offers a treasure trove of previously unseen interviews, shedding light on the lives of the remarkable figures who graced the stage of the Ballets Russes. From the legendary dancers Anna Pavlova and Alicia Markova to the visionary choreographers Leonide Massine, George Balanchine, and Anton Dolin, these individuals' own words provide a captivating glimpse into their experiences and the world of the Ballets Russes. Through their own stories, the dancers' words reveal the true essence of what it meant to be a star of the Ballets Russes, offering fascinating new insights into one of the most vibrant and creative groups of artists of the modern age.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 155 x 227 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350210943