Michel Fokine, Russian dancer and choreographer (d. 1942)

Michel Fokine (born Mikhail Mikhaylovich Fokin on 23 April [O.S. 11 April] 1880 in St. Petersburg, Russia; died 22 August 1942 in New York City, USA) stands as a monumental figure in the history of ballet, often celebrated as a revolutionary Imperial Russian choreographer and dancer. His pioneering vision profoundly reshaped the art form, moving it away from its late 19th-century academic rigidities and propelling it into the vibrant, expressive modern era of the early 20th century. Fokine’s innovations, particularly during his transformative collaboration with the Ballets Russes, left an indelible mark, influencing generations of dancers and choreographers worldwide.

The Early Life and Stirrings of Change

Born into a prosperous middle-class family, Fokine’s natural talent for dance was recognized early. He entered the prestigious Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg at the age of nine, a rigorous institution that was then the heart of classical ballet training in Russia. After graduating in 1898, he joined the Imperial Russian Ballet, quickly distinguishing himself as a principal dancer known for his expressive stage presence and technical prowess. While enjoying success on stage, Fokine harbored a growing dissatisfaction with the prevailing ballet conventions. He felt that the art form had become formulaic, with predictable storylines, an overreliance on virtuoso displays for their own sake, and a lack of emotional depth. He yearned for a ballet that integrated all elements – music, movement, décor, and costume – into a unified dramatic whole, a complete artistic statement rather than a mere sequence of steps.

A Revolutionary Vision Takes Form

Fokine’s nascent ideas found fertile ground when he began choreographing, first for students and then for the Imperial Ballet itself. His early works, such as Acis and Galatea (1905), already hinted at his innovative approach. The true catalyst for his revolutionary work, however, came with his association with the impresario Serge Diaghilev and the legendary Ballets Russes. This groundbreaking company, formed in 1909 to showcase Russian art in Paris, provided Fokine with the ultimate platform to implement his radical reforms. It was here that he would create a series of ballets that would irrevocably alter the course of dance history.

The Ballets Russes Era: Iconic Creations and Principles

With Diaghilev, Fokine created a string of masterpieces that dazzled European audiences and challenged every preconception of what ballet could be. Works like Les Sylphides (1909), a plotless "romantic reverie" that stripped away narrative to focus purely on mood and lyrical movement; The Firebird (1910), a vibrant Russian fairy tale that fused folk motifs with classical technique; and Petrushka (1911), a tragicomic story of puppets brought to life, showcased his versatility and genius. Other notable works from this period include the exotic and sensual Scheherazade (1910) and the delicate, poignant Spectre de la Rose (1911), featuring Vaslav Nijinsky and Tamara Karsavina, who became his muse and a brilliant interpreter of his vision.

Fokine’s choreographic philosophy, which he articulated in a letter to The Times in 1914, revolved around five core principles:

  1. New Forms of Movement: Each ballet should develop its own original forms of movement, dictated by the subject and the specific music, rather than relying on a predetermined academic vocabulary.
  2. Unification of Elements: The dance should not merely illustrate the music but should be an integral, expressive part of the whole, with music, décor, and costume forming a unified artistic statement.
  3. Expressive Mime: The conventional ballet mime, often seen as stiff and unrealistic, should be replaced by movement that is expressive of the entire body, conveying dramatic emotion through dance itself.
  4. Ensemble Importance: The corps de ballet should be more than just a decorative background; it should be an active and expressive part of the dramatic action.
  5. Integration of Other Arts: The collaboration with other artists – composers, painters, and designers – was essential to create a cohesive and powerful theatrical experience.

Lasting Impact and Legacy

Fokine’s reforms were nothing short of revolutionary. He liberated ballet from its narrative constraints, elevated the male dancer's role from mere support to dramatic equal, and introduced a new emotional intensity and psychological depth to the stage. By emphasizing the dramatic truth and emotional resonance of movement, he paved the way for modern ballet and contemporary dance. Although his direct association with the Ballets Russes ended in 1912 (though he returned briefly later), his influence continued to permeate the company and the broader dance world. He eventually settled in the United States in 1923, where he continued to choreograph, teach, and stage his repertoire, fostering new generations of dancers and expanding the appreciation for ballet in America until his passing in 1942.

FAQs

Who was Michael Fokine?
Michael Fokine was an Imperial Russian choreographer and dancer, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the development of 20th-century ballet. He spearheaded significant reforms that moved ballet towards a more expressive and unified art form.
What made Michael Fokine "groundbreaking"?
Fokine was groundbreaking because he challenged the rigid conventions of late 19th-century classical ballet. He advocated for a cohesive theatrical experience where all elements (music, movement, décor, costume) worked together. His principles emphasized expressive movement, dramatic truth, and giving the corps de ballet and male dancers more significant roles, rather than relying solely on traditional steps and mime.
What are some of Fokine's most famous ballets?
Among his most celebrated works are Les Sylphides (1909), The Firebird (1910), Scheherazade (1910), Petrushka (1911), and Spectre de la Rose (1911). These ballets were pivotal in establishing his reputation and demonstrating his revolutionary approach.
What was Fokine's connection to the Ballets Russes?
Fokine was the principal choreographer for Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes from 1909 to 1912. This collaboration was crucial, providing him with a platform to implement his radical reforms and create many of his most iconic works that captivated European audiences and redefined ballet.
When and where was Michael Fokine born and when did he pass away?
Michael Fokine was born on 23 April [O.S. 11 April] 1880, in St. Petersburg, Russia. He passed away on 22 August 1942, in New York City, USA.
What was Fokine's lasting impact on ballet?
His lasting impact includes revolutionizing choreographic practices by emphasizing dramatic unity, expressive movement, and the integration of all theatrical elements. He helped elevate the status of the male dancer, enriched the ballet repertoire with emotionally complex works, and directly influenced generations of choreographers, laying the groundwork for modern and contemporary dance.