The Rite of Spring the winter of 1909–10, in close association with Fokine who was choreographing "The Firebird". During this period Stravinsky made the acquaintance of Nijinsky who, although not dancing in the ballet, was a keen observer of its development. Stravinsky was uncomplimentary when recording his first impressions of the dancer, observing that he seemed immature and gauche for his age (he was 21). On the other hand, Stravinsky found Diaghilev an inspiration, "the very essence of a great personality". "The Firebird" was premiered on 25 June 1910, with Tamara Karsavina in the main role, and was a great public success. This ensured
Picasso and the Ballets Russes Picasso and the Ballets Russes Pablo Picasso and the Ballets Russes collaborated on several productions. Pablo Picasso's Cubist sets and costumes were used by Sergei Diaghilev in the Ballets Russes's "Parade" (1917, choreography: Léonide Massine), "Le Tricorne" ("The Three-Cornered Hat") (1919, choreography: Massine), "Pulcinella" (1920, choreographer: Massine), and "Cuadro Flamenco" (1921, choreography: Spanish folk dancers). Picasso also drew a sketch with pen on paper of "La Boutique fantasque" ("La course"), (1919, choreography: Massine). and designed the drop curtain for "Le Train Bleu" (1924, choreography: Bronislava Nijinska), based on his painting, "Two Women Running on the Beach" ("The Race"), 1922. The