The Ballets Russes was perhaps the most iconic, yet at the same time mysterious, ballet company of the twentieth century. Inspired by the unique vision of their founder Sergei Diaghilev, the company gained a large international following. In the mid-twentieth century - during the tumultuous years of World War II and the Cold War - the Ballets Russes companies kept the spirit and traditions of Russian ballet alive in the West, touring extensively in America, Europe and Australia.
This important new book uncovers previously-unseen interviews and provides insights into the lives of the great figures of the age - from the dancers Anna Pavlova and Alicia Markova to the choreographers Leonide Massine, George Balanchine and Anton Dolin.
The dancers' own words reveal what life was really like for the stars of the Ballets Russes and provide fascinating new insights into one of the most vibrant and creative groups of artists of the modern age.
By:
Michael Meylac
Afterword by:
John Neumeier
Foreword by:
Ismene Brown
Translated by:
Rosanna Kelly (translator UK)
Imprint: Methuen Drama & Non Fict.
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 228mm,
Width: 155mm,
Weight: 630g
ISBN: 9781350210943
ISBN 10: 1350210943
Pages: 360
Publication Date: 08 April 2021
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction : Russia and Europe: A Transparent Barrier Part I: Les Ballets Russes de Serge de Diaghilev, Les Ballets Russes de Colonel de Basil and the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo Working with Diaghilev The Baby Ballerinas Working with the Ballets Russes de Colonel de Basil and the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo The Ballets Russes in Australia The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in America Part II: Marquis de Cuevas and Others 6. Serge Lifar 7. Nina Vyroubova Part III: The Next Generation 8. Pierre Lacotte 9. Three Portraits 10. The Canadian ballet 11. The Netherlands Ballet Part IV: The Heirs of the Russian Tradition 12. American ballet Part V: The Mariinsky Theatre Part VI: The Wandering Stars 13. Rudolf Nureyev 14. Natalia Makarova 15. Mikhail Baryshnikov 16. Two Portraits Postscript, List of Illustrations, Index
Michael Meylac is Professor of Russian Literature at the University of Strasbourg. He is the author of editions and studies of the Oberiou poets and of studies on the Provencal troubadours. Rosanna Kelly is an author and translator, based in London.
Reviews for Behind the Scenes at the Ballets Russes: Stories from a Silver Age
Meylac's love of ballet has gifted balletomanes with genuinely evocative reading, providing dancers' tidbits from this unforgettable ballet era. * Dance International Magazine *
