Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in Spain and its Legacy

Abstract

This article considers the reasons that Spain was not successful in establishing a national ballet company or in developing a choreographic tradition, even though the Ballets Russes spent long periods of time in the country; returned to it on several occasions; had King Alfonso XIII's patronage; and nurtured fruitful artistic collaborations. Contemporary reviews, academic articles and the accounts of company artists are consulted to ascertain whether Diaghilev's legacy was obscured due to the country's subsequent history or whether Spain was simply unable to assimilate Diaghilev's artistic beliefs.