In the early years of the Russian theater, Vaslav Nijinsky was considered the main, even the best ballet dancer. He was discovered by the impresario Sergei Diaghilev. Nijinsky was the idol of his time. His dance combined strength and lightness, the audience was captivated by his breathtaking leaps — at times it seemed that the dancer was floating in the air. Nijinsky possessed remarkable acting and pantomime skills. When he performed, Nijinsky exuded magnetism, which contrasted greatly with his being timid and taciturn in everyday life.
The dancer partnered with such famous ballerinas as Matilda Kschessinskaya, Anna Pavlova, and Tamara Karsavina. He played a romantic youngster in the “Chopiniana”, Cleopatra’s slave in “Une Nuit d’Egypte”, and a page in “Le Pavillon d’Armide.” Nijinsky was not very handsome, however, when he performed, his graceful and harmonious movements bewitched the audience.
Nijinsky stepped into the 1911 season as the lead in the ballet “Le Spectre de la rose” set to music by Carl Weber. The premiere took place in April. Nijinsky had the role of a strange creature — a rose that came to life to enthrall the Young Girl played by Tamara Karsavina.
The stage design and costumes for the performance were prepared by Léon Bakst, who was a regular participant in Sergei Diaghilev’s theatrical projects. For the poster, the impresario preferred the minimalistic approach of the French artist and playwright Jean Cocteau.
Jean Cocteau was an admirer of Vaslav Nijinsky’s talent.
The dancer partnered with such famous ballerinas as Matilda Kschessinskaya, Anna Pavlova, and Tamara Karsavina. He played a romantic youngster in the “Chopiniana”, Cleopatra’s slave in “Une Nuit d’Egypte”, and a page in “Le Pavillon d’Armide.” Nijinsky was not very handsome, however, when he performed, his graceful and harmonious movements bewitched the audience.
Nijinsky stepped into the 1911 season as the lead in the ballet “Le Spectre de la rose” set to music by Carl Weber. The premiere took place in April. Nijinsky had the role of a strange creature — a rose that came to life to enthrall the Young Girl played by Tamara Karsavina.
The stage design and costumes for the performance were prepared by Léon Bakst, who was a regular participant in Sergei Diaghilev’s theatrical projects. For the poster, the impresario preferred the minimalistic approach of the French artist and playwright Jean Cocteau.
Jean Cocteau was an admirer of Vaslav Nijinsky’s talent.
