History of Costumes

Léon Bakst (b. 1866), was a costume designer from Belarus. The young artist made his mark on the dance and ballet world through his work with Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets. He created both sceneic pieces and costume ensembles for the storied company.

Ironically Bakst failed his entrance exam to The Imperial Academy of Arts but managed to attend as a non-credit student. Despite the rocky start, Bakst moved to Paris, a hot-bed of artistic creativity, in 1893. Art Nouveau came to prominence in Paris and Bakst joined the movement to discard the more classical arts and create new work featuring intricate and decorative linear designs and motifs based on natural forms.

It was in Western Europe that Bakst worked with the Ballets Russes and Diaghilev, and demand for his commissions grew. Prominent patrons like the Rothschilds and successful productions like Carnaval, Sleeping Beauty and Scheherazade gave him notability and esteem. Bakst returned as an accomplished artist and was elected as a member of the Imperial Academy of Arts.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet follows in the footsteps of Ballets Russes in its efforts to bring tales, music, and motifs from folklore to Western audiences. Likewise, Léon Bakst’s wildly creative expression inspires NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet's rich costuming and set design. Above, compare Bakst's Scheherazade to the Arabian Variation, and see elaborate designs from both L'oiseau de Feu (The Firebird) and Uncle Drosselmeyer.