Sergei Diaghilev

Sergei Diaghilev (Sergei Pavlovich Diaghilev, Serge Diaghilev; 1872 – 1929) was a Russian art critic, patron, ballet impresario and founder of the Ballets Russes, from which many famous dancers and choreographers would arise. Diaghilev played a crucial role in revitalising ballet for the 20th century, integrating art, music, dance, and fashion into ground-breaking performances that often collaborated with prominent artists like Picasso and Matisse. He co-founded the artistic movement Mir iskusstva (World of Art) with his friends, the artists Alexandre Benois, Léon Bakst, Valentin Serov, and others. His influence on the art and ballet communities was profound, promoting a synthesis of the arts that was revolutionary at the time.