-
Diaghilev's Death
Diaghilev's death left his dancers without work; however, a few years after, the resurrection of Ballet Russes began. -
Balanchine's Arrival
A former choreographer from Diaghilev's Ballet Russe named George Balanchine became the dance master/principle choreographer. His idea for having young dancers as the star performers would change this Ballet Russe forever. -
First Performance
After their first performance in 1932 critics said “Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo was the authentic air to Diaghilev’s Ballet Russe.” -
Massine Era
1933 started the Massine Era of ballet at the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo (in London). -
Coming to America
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. (it had been 20 years since Diaghilev’s Ballet Russe sailed to America, and America still didn’t know much about ballet.) by 1935 they had performed for 3 million people. -
Conflict between Choreographers
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. -
Leonide Wins
Massine won the rights to the company name, Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo so Basil renamed his company The Original Ballet Russe. The two choreographers continued to fight over dancers. -
First Debuts
In 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. -
World War II
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. -
Dance during the War
Tour after tour, for 2 years both companies continued to work, but Horok and Basil (The Original Ballet Russe) started having conflicts. In 1941 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. -
A Change for Ballet Russe
In 1944 Ballet crossed over into Broadway, choreographed by George Balachine. -
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.
