Births on March 31

Sergei Diaghilev, Russian ballet manager and critic, founded the Ballets Russes (d. 1929)

Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev (pronounced dee-AG-il-ef in English; in Russian, Серге́й Па́влович Дя́гилев, with an IPA of [sʲɪˈrɡʲej ˈpavləvɪdʑ ˈdʲæɡʲɪlɪf]), a towering figure in the arts, was born on March 31 [O.S. March 19] in 1872 and passed away on August 19, 1929. Though often simply referred to as Serge Diaghilev outside of his native Russia, he was a multi-faceted Russian art critic, an influential patron of the arts, and, most famously, a groundbreaking ballet impresario. He is best remembered as the visionary founder of the Ballets Russes, a revolutionary dance company that became the crucible for many of the 20th century's most celebrated dancers and choreographers. Diaghilev's impactful career can be broadly categorized into two distinct phases: his formative years in St. Petersburg from 1898 to 1906, and the period of his prolific international endeavors, primarily in emigration, from 1906 until his death in 1929.

Early Life and Artistic Awakening in St. Petersburg

Born into an aristocratic, though not wealthy, family in Selishchi, Novgorod Governorate, Sergei Diaghilev initially pursued law at St. Petersburg University while also studying music, particularly composition, at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. It was during his time in the imperial capital, a vibrant hub of Russian culture and artistic innovation, that his true calling emerged. He immersed himself in the city's burgeoning art scene, quickly transitioning from a student to an influential voice. His early career phase in St. Petersburg (1898–1906) saw him establish himself as a prominent art critic and editor. He founded the influential journal "Mir iskusstva" (World of Art), which championed a modern, avant-garde aesthetic and showcased the talents of Russian artists to a wider audience. This period was crucial in developing his keen eye for talent and his audacious vision, setting the stage for his later, more ambitious projects. He organized exhibitions that challenged traditional artistic norms, proving his prowess as an impresario even before the world knew him as a ballet pioneer.

The Birth of a Cultural Phenomenon: Ballets Russes

The turning point in Diaghilev's career came with his move to Paris, marking the beginning of his "emigration" period (1906–1929). Having successfully presented Russian painting and music to European audiences, he decided to introduce Russian ballet, a genre he believed held immense, untapped potential. In 1909, he founded the Ballets Russes, a company that would utterly transform the art of dance. Operating without a permanent home base, touring primarily across Europe and later to the Americas, the Ballets Russes was a collaborative powerhouse, bringing together the finest talents of its era. Diaghilev's genius lay not just in identifying extraordinary dancers and choreographers like Vaslav Nijinsky and Mikhail Fokine, but also in commissioning ground-breaking scores from composers such as Igor Stravinsky (whose "The Rite of Spring" caused riots), and designing stunning sets and costumes from artists including Léon Bakst, Alexandre Benois, and even later, Pablo Picasso. This fusion of dance, music, and visual art created a total theatrical experience that captivated audiences and pushed artistic boundaries. The company's vibrant, often exotic, and always innovative performances became a hallmark of modernism, deeply influencing not only ballet but also fashion, art, and music throughout the 20th century. It was a true cultural phenomenon that redefined performance art for generations.

Diaghilev's Enduring Legacy

Despite facing constant financial challenges and personal upheavals, Serge Diaghilev continued to guide the Ballets Russes until his death. His unwavering commitment to innovation ensured the company remained at the forefront of artistic development, constantly evolving its style and challenging conventions. His impact extended far beyond the stage; he essentially forged a new aesthetic, demonstrating how artistic disciplines could merge to create something entirely new and powerful. Many of the most famous dancers and choreographers of the 20th century, from George Balanchine to Serge Lifar, were nurtured under his patronage, carrying his spirit of innovation into their own work. Diaghilev's legacy is immense: he not only saved ballet from stagnation but propelled it into the modern age, turning it into a dynamic and critically acclaimed art form. He proved that an impresario could be an artist in his own right, shaping tastes, discovering genius, and forever changing the landscape of global culture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Serge Diaghilev

Who was Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev?

Sergei Diaghilev (often known as Serge Diaghilev) was a highly influential Russian art critic, patron, and, most famously, the visionary founder and impresario of the revolutionary Ballets Russes dance company, active in the early 20th century.

What is Serge Diaghilev famous for?

He is primarily famous for founding the Ballets Russes, which revitalized ballet as an art form by commissioning groundbreaking works that fused dance, music, and visual art. He is also known for discovering and nurturing many of the greatest talents in ballet, music, and art of his time, including Igor Stravinsky and Vaslav Nijinsky.

When did Diaghilev found the Ballets Russes?

Serge Diaghilev founded the Ballets Russes in 1909, making its sensational debut in Paris.

What was the cultural impact of the Ballets Russes?

The Ballets Russes had a profound cultural impact, introducing a new era of artistic collaboration and modernism. It broke away from traditional ballet conventions, inspiring new directions in dance, music, fashion, and visual arts, and profoundly influenced 20th-century aesthetics and performance art.

Where did Diaghilev's career take place?

Diaghilev's career had two main phases: an early period in St. Petersburg, Russia (1898–1906), where he established himself as an art critic and patron, and a later, more internationally focused period in emigration (1906–1929), primarily centered in Paris but involving extensive touring throughout Europe and beyond with the Ballets Russes.