Nijinsky’s Strained Relationship with Diaghilev
As a result of his anger at Nijinsky’s marriage, Diaghilev dismissed Nijinsky from the Ballets Russes in late 1913. Nijinsky rejoined the company in the summer of 1917 for a tour of Spain and South America, but refused to dance unless paid—in cash—prior to each performance. This 1917 receipt notes that for $500 Nijinsky will dance Le Spectre de la Rose and Les Sylphides at the Theatre Municipal in Rio de Janeiro. Six weeks later he appeared in his last public performance in Montevideo, Uruguay. He was twenty-nine years old.
As a result of his anger at Nijinsky’s marriage, Diaghilev dismissed Nijinsky from the Ballets Russes in late 1913. Nijinsky rejoined the company in the summer of 1917 for a tour of Spain and South America, but refused to dance unless paid—in cash—prior to each performance. This 1917 receipt notes that for $500 Nijinsky will dance <em>Le Spectre de la Rose</em> and <em>Les Sylphides</em> at the Theatre Municipal in Rio de Janeiro. Six weeks later he appeared in his last public performance in Montevideo, Uruguay. He was twenty-nine years old.