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Death of Diaghilev
The Russian starter of the Ballet Russes, Serge Diaghilev, died leaving his company of Russian dancers who performed work that shocked audiences, without work. -
Ballet Russes Resurection
Wasily de Basil and Rene Blum named their new company Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo.
George Balanchine (a former choreographer for Diaghilev’s Ballet Russe) became the Dance Master and principle choreographer. -
Massine Era
The Massine Era of ballet at the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo started in London. Massine introduced the symphonic orchestra to ballet and the public loved it. He started creating stronger lead roles for male dancers. -
Off to America
The Ballet Russse de Monte-Carlo went to America where Sol Hurok (an impresario) booked their first American Tour. Sol Hurok was the most powerful theatrical promoter in the States. (it had been 20 years since Diaghilev’s Ballet Russe sailed to America, and America still didn’t know much about ballet.) -
Success
By this time they performed for three million people and began to hire Americans, but changed their names to sound Russian. -
Conflict
Blum and Basil did not see eye to eye and Blum resigned from the company. After Blum left, Basil’s ego was too much for Massine and he too soon left the company to start his own. A war erupted between Massine and Basil over everything connected to the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo, including legal fights over the company name and choreography. -
Conflict Extension
Massine won the rights to the company name, Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo so Basil renamed his company The Original Ballet Russe. The each fought over dancers, making dancers take the side of one or the other. -
Rivalry
In 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. Basil’s problem was replacing Massine as principle choreographer, so he hired David Lichine. Lichine and Massine became rivals, trying to steal dancers from the other. Both companies started their season in London, performing blocks from each other. The public love each company, go from one show to another. -
Two Companies Sucess
Yet, Sol Hurok needed another American tour. Hurok chose Massine’s Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo. At the same time Basil took his company to Australia. For 7 months the filled the theaters. Australia loved ballet. The set the stage for new training facilities to be opened in this part of the world. By 1939 both companies were back in London. -
War/Tragedy
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. Months of no rehearsals or ballet class and Massine has Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo perform the evening they arrived in American. -
Rise above the War
Sol Hurok decided to take on the responsibly of providing work for both stranded companies. They spent 9 months touring by train to small towns that had never seen ballet before. Tour after tour, for 2 years both companies continued to work, but Horok and Basil (The Original Ballet Russe) started having conflicts. -
Hurok and Basil
Hurok severed his ties with Basil, publically declaring him as one of the most difficult people to work with. Because Sol Hurok had such connections around America, Basil and The Original Ballet Russe found themselves without work. Not being able to return to London yet, Basil took his company on a Latin American tour. -
Ballet Crossover
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. -
Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo Sucess
Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo has a very different experience during the war-time years. They were the toast of the town in Hollywood glamour. They crossed over into dance for film. However, Massine loving the money and attention seemed to lose his choreographic touch and started producing flops. Ballet Russes de Monte-Carlo took a chance and hired and American choreographer, Agnes de Mille. And so began the beginning of “true American ballet.” -
The Original Ballet Russes' last performance
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.
