D. Darian Smith, Australia, 1900-1984 Ballets Russes performance of 'Les Sylphides' c.1936-40, Adelaide gelatin-silver photograph on paper 18.7 x 24.6 cm (image) Gift of Glenda Kent and Bill Purvis 2008, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide

Ballets Russes in Australia

2 May - 6 July 2008
Gallery 19

Between 1936 and 1940 the Australian public was introduced to a brilliant and exotic company of dancers, productions, stage designs, costumes and music, the likes of which had never been seen or heard here before. The Ballets Russes, Sergei Diaghilev’s dazzling company of artists (presented in Australia by his successor, Colonel Wassily de Basil), revitalised the art form of ballet and had a profound effect on Australian cultural life.

Presented in conjunction with The Australian Ballet’s 2008 Adelaide season, and with the four year national project, Ballets Russes in Australia: Our Cultural Revolution, this special display will provide a glimpse into the important artistic impact the Ballets Russes had on Australian cultural life.  Free entry

SYMPOSIUM

Friday 23 – Sunday 25 May
BALLETS RUSSES SYMPOSIUM
The Symposium will have an Australian focus, highlighting the historical impact of tours to Australia in the 1930s by Colonel Wassily de Basil’s Ballets Russes companies. For more information on the Ballets Russes Symposium visit The Australian Ballet's website (australianballet.com.au/brsymposium).

Bookings: Follow this link for online bookings (www.renaissancetours.com.au) or telephone Renaissance Tours on 1300 727 095.
Venue: Elder Conservatorium and Adelaide Festival Centre.