Diaghilev and the Ballet Russes at the V&A

I really should have been born in the 1920s. I could have been friends with Carmel Snow, had my photograph taken by Brassaï, hung out in Paris with Picasso and Henry Miller, worn clothing designed by Chanel and Lanvin themselves, raised havoc as a flapper in New York, and witnessed a production of the legendary Ballet Russes. Since the ability to time-travel has not been invented yet, I'll have to content myself with the Victoria and Albert Museum's exhibit Diaghilev and the Golden Age of the Ballets Russes, 1909- 1929 to fulfill the last request. The exhibit, which opened on September 25th and will be running until January 9th, is a monumental undertaking co-curated by renowned curators Jane Pritchard and Geoffrey Marsh. I won't be able to make it back to London before the 9th of January, but, fortunately, the V&A's website has provided a wealth of information, photos, videos, and interviews on all things related to this exhibit.

For instance, the exhibit houses one of the largest Picasso paintings in the world. Picasso painted the backdrop for the 1924 Ballet Russes production of Le Train Bleu. The painting, which was signed by the great artist, is the centerpiece for this exhibit. To view the positioning of the photo, check out the V&A's video here.

Diaghilev was an incredibly collaborative and forward-thinking man. The exhibit also features the talents of Stravinsky, Chanel, Matisse, Picasso, and Nijinsky, his legendary partner and star dancer. This includes props, costumes, set designs, and posters designed by Léon Bakst, Georges Braque, and Natalia Goncharova. Nearly every aspect of the exhibit's creation, from its earliest genesis to the present, has been documented by Jane Pritchard at her blog. The V&A has also put together a walking tour around London which highlights important places in theatre and the history of the Ballet Russes. I can't wait to take advantage of that! The next time you're in London, check out the map here.

My curiosity in Diaghilev and the Ballet Ruses has been increased tenfold by merely viewing the V&A's website devoted to the magnificent exhibit. I can only imagine how much it would be heightened by actually seeing the collections. As usual, the V&A seems to have created nothing short of a masterpiece.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must request every book the library has on Diaghilev and the Ballet Russes, including the accompanying exhibit book by Jane Pritchard and Geoffrey Marsh.

(** photo and links from the V&A's website at www.vam.ac.uk**)