Diaghilev - V&A

More dance tales for the balletomanes out there. In London I went to see the Diaghilev exhibit at the V&A.
Room after room of sumptuous costumes, stage sets, posters, playbills, videos, background music, backstage tales from the golden age of Les Ballet Russes (1909-1929). Imagine yourself twirling like a czar, sporting a mink hatIllustrations/costume design from Russian Leon Bakst.
Reflect the lush aspects of these ballets.
Loaded with Russian embroidary.
Watch old Nijinsky films of the revolutionary Fire Dance.
With accompanying original costumes and drawings. Plus backstage details of the love affair between Nijinsky and Diaghilev. Until that is Les Ballets Russes went off to Argentina, where Nijinsky eloped with a ballerina, causing immediate dismissal from the company. Diaghilev went on a Bachanalian rage in Sicily.
Stage backdrops and model theaters leave you ready to forage for treasures in the V&A FAB giftshop.
Deck yourself out head-to-toe.
In Russian garb.
Including Diaghilev's famous black top hat.
While munching faux 'caviar' chocolate beans.
Balletomanes will find plenty of books to buy.
 Oh why didn't I buy this piano bracelet for only 5 pds?
No Russian blinis to eat in the V&A's cafe, but the fare is excellent English traditional food
With luscious jams at no extra charge.
Two little British Red Riding Hoods at the exhibit.

The Diaghilev-a don't-miss on until January 9, 2011
BONJOUR DIAGHILEV!

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