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Diaghilev died in 1929, leaving his dancers without work.
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1931 is when the resurrection began.
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Wasily de Basil and Rene Blum named their new company Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo.
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After their first performance in 1932 critics said “Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo was the authentic air to Diaghilev’s Ballet Russe.”
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1933 started the Massine Era of ballet at the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo (in London).
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In 1934 Ballet Russse de Monte-Carlo set sails for America where Sol Hurok (an impresario) booked their first American Tour. Sol Hurok was the most powerful theatrical promoter in the States.
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By 1935 the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo had performed for 3 million people.
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1938 (London) each company was ready to make their debut. But Massine has lost all the rights to his choreography and found himself having to create 3 new enormous ballets.
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September 3, 1939 War was declared. Britain and France declare war on Germany in World War II. Panic struck and most Russians did not have the right papers to leave the country. They were able to get on a boat headed to American. Both companies traveled on this boat.
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In 1941 Hurok severed his ties with Basil, publically declaring him as one of the most difficult people to work with.
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In 1944 Ballet crossed over into Broadway, choreographed by George Balachine. (Yes, the return; 12 years ago he left the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo and has been bouncing around ballet, Broadway, and film.)
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Finally Hurok and Basil started talking again to arrange for the company to return to America. Yet, the company was exhausted and not ready for the demands of touring again. It was a disaster. Hurok once again abandoned the company and the dancers begin to leave for better opportunities. In return, Basil hired new dancers, not as qualified or technically proficient, leaving the company in worse shape. Nov 1948 was the company’s last performance.
