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 benefits from the Russian loan and  modernizes itself. A military cooperation is signed in 1892. The tsar Nicolas II visited Paris with great fanfare. As a tribute to the tsar’s father, the bridge which is to be built across the Seine for the universal exhibition of 1900 is named “Pont Alexandre III”.

A fascination for Eastern culture

Russia is on-trend, the occidental public discovers with great fascination this country: Russia is a far-away exotic country between the Great North and Orient. Western Europe is fascinated by Russia.

Russian music was played during the universal exposition of 1878, 1889 and 1900. The French public is familiar with Tchaikovsky and Rimski-Korsakov. Their music inspired occidental composers.

The Ballets Russes as a symbol of the East

In 1909 the first performance of the Ballets Russes happens in Paris. The Firebird and Sheherazade are the favorite performances of the French public. They are very oriental and russian pieces.