An exhibition in memory of Sergey Dyagilev and centennial of the "Russian seasons" organised by him in Paris earlier last century is to be held in the Tretyakov Art Gallery in Moscow in fall 2009, reports RIA "Novosti" citing the Gallery's press-service.

The "Russian seasons" Ballet performances - a private theatrical enterprise of Sergey Dyagilev since 1909 - were of great success in Europe, especially in France and Great Britain, and brought into fashion all Russian. Such prominent dancers as Vatslav Nizhinskiy, Leonid Myasin, Mikhail Fokin, Serge Lifar, George Balanchin entered the world ballet scene because of Sergey Dyagilev's plays. Some of these dancers were gay and also Dyagilev's partners.

The most bright star was Nizhinskiy. On October 10th, 1908 Dyagilev signed with Nizhinskiy a contract to participate in the first "Russian season" for 2500 francs. For that Season "Cleopatra", "Sylphides" and a new ballet performance "Arthemide's Pavilion" were selected to play. Nizhinskiy performed in "Sylphides" and "Arthemide's Pavilion"...

In summer 1909 Dyagilev's first "Russian Season" Ballet was a triumph, despite running into debt. But the most important thing were unforgettable ballet jumps of Nizhinskiy. Back home from Paris tour, Vatslav Nizhinskiy took up his residence in Dyagilev's apartments. Sergey Dyagilev paid all his cheques and debts, including Nizhinskiy's mother's pension. In return, Nizhinskiy owed very much to Dyagilev personally. For three forthcoming years their same-sex union gained some official status among the high life society. On every occasion Dyagilev and Nizhinskiy appeared together as a couple. So the "Russian seasons" begun...

Leon Bakst and Alexandre Benois - companions of Sergey Dyagilev designed and prepared for Dyagilev's performances stage decorations and costumes. Later due to his passion for everything new and innovations, Dyagilev won over to his side as decorators such avant-garde artists of his time as Pablo Picasso, Andre Derain, Coco Chanel, Henry Matisse and many others including Russians - Natalia Goncharova, Mikhail Larionov, Naum Gabo and Antoine Pevzner.

The Tretyakov Art Gallery will show the works of Bakst, Benoir, Goncharova, Larionov, Roerich, de Kiriko and Picasso, sketches of stage decorations and ballet costumes and also the costumes itself. Organisers promised that the exhibition's core and sensation would be carefully preserved curtain for the "Parade" Ballet made after Picasso's sketches.

This exhibition will be held in Monaco in summer 2009 and later in fall 2009 in Moscow.

Translated by Yerdna Bananes