1While the early 20th century was rich with creative energy, no one brought theater and dance to the forefront of culture quite like Sergei Diaghilev did with his extraordinary Ballets Russes. From 1909 to 1929, the impresario attracted the involvement of artists and designers (Picasso, Matisse, Chanel), composers (Stravinsky), dancers (Nijinsky and Massine), and even a young George Balanchine. Now, this major book, originally published to accompany a retrospective exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, that traveled to the National Gallery of Art, Washington, examines the origins, development, and long-term influence of the Ballets Russes, the company that showcased artistic collaboration at its finest and revolutionized ballet for all time.