Ida Rubinstein

Ida Rubinstein (1883–1960) was a Russian-born dancer, actress, and arts patron whose lavish productions brought together leading composers, choreographers, and designers in early-20th-century Europe.

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Maurice Ravel: A French composer whose works include the ballets Daphnis et Chloé and Boléro. Rubinstein commissioned Boléro, which premiered in Paris in 1928 with her as its first dancer.
Boléro: A 1928 orchestral work by Maurice Ravel built around a repeated melody and gradual crescendo. Rubinstein commissioned the piece and danced in its first performance.
Ballets Russes: A Russian ballet company founded by Sergei Diaghilev that performed across Europe from 1909 to 1929. Rubinstein gained attention performing with the company in its early Paris seasons.
Ida Rubinstein's 1928 Boléro commission: Ida Rubinstein’s commission that prompted Maurice Ravel to compose Boléro for her ballet company. The commission produced one of the most widely recognized orchestral works of the 20th century.
Michel Fokine: A Russian choreographer who reshaped classical ballet through expressive movement and dramatic unity. He choreographed Rubinstein’s 1909 role in Cléopâtre for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes.
Le Martyre de saint Sébastien: A 1911 mystery play by Gabriele D’Annunzio with music by Claude Debussy. Rubinstein starred in this elaborate Paris production, which drew controversy over her portrayal of a male saint.
Paris: The capital of France and a major European center of art, theater, and music. The city’s theaters and artistic networks became the main setting for Rubinstein’s career.
Maurice Ravel's Boléro premiere: The first performance of Ravel’s Boléro in Paris on 22 November 1928, with choreography by Bronislava Nijinska. Rubinstein danced in the premiere, linking her patronage directly to the work’s stage debut.
Léon Bakst: A Russian artist and stage designer known for richly colored sets and costumes for ballet. His designs helped make Rubinstein’s Cléopâtre a visual sensation in 1909.
Cléopâtre: A 1909 ballet-pantomime choreographed by Michel Fokine, with music arranged from works by several composers. Rubinstein’s performance in this Ballets Russes production helped establish her as a stage presence.