January 11, 2013—The National Gallery of Art, Washington, announced plans to host the exhibition Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes, 1909–1929: When Art Danced with Music as the sole U.S. venue, from May 12 through September 2, 2013. The Ballets Russes—the most innovative dance company of the 20th century—propelled the performing arts to new heights through groundbreaking collaborations between artists, composers, choreographers, dancers, and fashion designers, with such familiar names as Picasso, Stravinsky, Balanchine, Nijinsky, and Chanel, among many others. Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev (1872–1929) founded the Ballets Russes in Paris in 1909.

The exhibition showcases some 135 original costumes, set designs, paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings, photographs, posters, and film clips in a theatrical multimedia installation in the East Building.

"This landmark exhibition celebrates one of the most dazzling cultural enterprises of the 20th century," said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art. "These historic collaborations initiated by Diaghilev revolutionized the art of ballet. We are very grateful to lenders from around the world, particularly the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and to the sponsors and supporters who have made it possible for the Gallery to present this exhibition.

Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes is organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

The exhibition is made possible by generous grants from ExxonMobil and Rosneft.

Adrienne Arsht also provided leadership support.

Additional funding is kindly given by Sally Engelhard Pingree and The Charles Engelhard Foundation, Jacqueline B. Mars, Leonard and Elaine Silverstein, and The Exhibition Circle of the National Gallery of Art.

View the full press release and order publicity images at http://www.nga.gov/press/exh/3413/index.shtm

For media inquiries or to request an interview with the exhibition curators, please contact Anabeth Guthrie at a-guthrie@nga.gov or 202.842.6804.

Deborah Ziska | Chief of Press and Public Information

National Gallery of Art | Washington, DC

W: 202.842.6353 | F: 202.789.3044

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