Vaslav Nijinsky

Vaslav Nijinsky was a Russian ballet dancer an choreographer of Polish origin. Nijinsky was one of the most gifted male dancers in history, and he became celebrated for his virtuosity and for the depth and intensity of his characterizations. He could perform en pointe, a rare skill among male dancers at the time and his ability to perform seemingly gravity-defying leaps was also legendary.

The ballet L'après-midi d'un faune (or The Afternoon of a Faun) was choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky for the Ballet Russes , and first performed in the Théatre du Châtelet in Paris on May 29,1912. Nijinsky danced the main part himself. As its score it used the Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune by Claude Debussy. Both the music and the ballet were inspired by the poem L'après-midi d'un faune by Stéphane Mallarmé.

Nijinsky as the faun was thrilling. Although his movements were absolutely restrained, they were virile and powerful and the manner in which he caressed and carried the nymph's veil was so animal that one expected to see him run up the side of the hill with it in his mouth. There was an unforgettable moment just before his final amorous descent upon the scarf when he knelt on one leg on top of the hill; with his other leg stretched out behind him. Suddenly he threw back his head, opened his mouth and silently laughed. It was superb acting.

Comments

[Bogumil]

Thanks for the nice blog about W. Nijinsky.
In general, very good blog. If you have a moment check my short entry on Nijinsky at my blog. Here is a link: http://uk.blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-5C8AGDYib7TNIinDIlZySQ--?cq=1&p=47

[jul]

Bel artiste j'aodre la peinture bleu à la Klimt

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