Les Ballets Russes

The last time I visited Canberra, this exhibit was due to open the next day, so I missed it.
The next time I was due to visit at that point was the day after the exhibit was due to close. Worse still, that trip was cancelled.
Fortunately, the exbihit was extended, until today, and I went through on friday.

Les Ballet Russes is commonly regarded as one of the greatest ballet company of the 20th century, directed by Sergei Diaghilev, and this exhibit is the first time many of these costumes have been seen since the performances themselves, which ended in 1929.

The costumes provide an insight into a cultural experience that no longer exists. The Ballet Russe was very different from traditional ballet of the time - combining art, dance and music, and moved away from the more reserved forms of the past. The company worked with the best choreographers, composers and dancers.

The costumes on exhibit are part of the NGA's own collection, and in many cases this is the first time they've been shown to the public since they were last worn on set. The costumes are in many cases well worn from use on set (Ballet Russe productions tended to be quite hard on them in terms of dancing), and the costumes have been in storage pretty much ever since, only coming out to end up a Southebys to be bought by the NGA.

Along with the costumes themselves the exhibit also features photos and paintings from the productions, and as you will never find these productions on film, represents a unique insight into a part of history that will not re-exist. Sadly, the exhibit closed today - otherwise I'd say you should go.