You do not have the time to go through our entire blog? This article summarizes our main points, answering our problematique on the extent to which the Ballets Russes are a Russian tool of soft power. The Ballets Russes are not a clear tool of soft power First of all, the main character of the … Continue reading Summary of our main discoveries
Ballets Russes and Politics: an introduction
The Ballets Russes are a private ballet company founded by Sergei Diaghilev, that toured in Europe and the Americas from 1909 to 1929. It revolutionized the classical ballets, the way they were perceived as well as the way they were conceptualized. Indeed, the Ballets Russes’ original creations were not only about dancers and choreography but … Continue reading Ballets Russes and Politics: an introduction
History of the Ballets Russes
This articles draws the main lines of the Ballets Russes' history, from the political context of their creation to their reception by the public. The political context At the end of the 19th century, cultural exchanges between France and Russia tightened as a result of a spectacular political rapprochement. In 1888, France took on debt … Continue reading History of the Ballets Russes
The influence of the Ballets Russes: political or artistic?
This article is about how the Ballets Russes influenced their contemporaries, and the extent by which they were influenced by the political. The tight control of an authoritarian regime The artistic history of the Ballets Russes is deeply linked to the political history of Russia. Indeed, as an authoritarian country the regime’s control over the … Continue reading The influence of the Ballets Russes: political or artistic?
Franco-Russian relations at the beginning of the 20th century
This article focuses on the Franco-Russian relations during the Ballets Russes period. It shows how Russia was perceived by Western countries at the time and the extent to which the Ballets Russes could be a tool of soft power. Flourishing exchanges In the late 19th century cultural exchanges between France and Russia are flourishing. France … Continue reading Franco-Russian relations at the beginning of the 20th century
The Ballets Russes influence on ballet history
This article presents the main periods of the Ballets Russes era, from their historical background to their impact. A historic part of Russian culture Ballet originated in France and in Italy, but it has somehow become a “national honor of Russia” and is emblematic of Russian culture. In Russia, ballet found “its second home country”. … Continue reading The Ballets Russes influence on ballet history
Focus on: Igor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky was one of the most revolutionary musicians of the beginning of the 20th century, and one of main composers of the Ballets Russes. This article focuses on his life, with a particular emphasis on his relationship with the Ballets Russes. The composer's debuts Igor Stravinsky was born in 1882 near St-Petersburg. His father … Continue reading Focus on: Igor Stravinsky
Focus on: Sergei Diaghilev
Sergei Diaghilev (1872 - 1929) is the founder of the Ballets Russes and one of the most influential art patrons of the 20th century. This article dives into his life, and aims at understanding the complex relationship of the Ballets Russes with the politics of Russia through the path of the one that embodies the … Continue reading Focus on: Sergei Diaghilev
The Ballets Russes: a tool of Russian soft power? 