Diaghilev and Nijinsky Rise Again at Sadler's Wells

A clutch of new dance creations inspired by old ghosts

by Ismene BrownMonday, 12 October 2009

A century ago Sergei Diaghilev launched the Ballets Russes, the crucible where modern lyric and dance theatre was born. Picasso and Matisse jostled against Nijinsky, Debussy and Markova, Satie and Cocteau against Fokine, Stravinsky and Pavlova. Tomorrow the spirit of Diaghilev is invoked in the premiere at Sadler's Wells, London, of four new dances by today’s leading choreographers.

The line has changed in classical dance. There's more outward reach now, so you have less bend, less folds in the body, those folds that you would put into sculpture, with a kink in the waist

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