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
The Forbidden Rite The Forbidden Rite The Forbidden Rite is a 1962 Australian TV play. It is a filmed ballet - the first ballet written in Australia exclusively for TV. On a Mediterranean island, a tourist party inspects the ruins of a shrine built to the goddess of love. "The Forbidden Rite" was composed by Robert Hughes, a music writer and arranger for the Victorian Symphony Orchestra. It is the first work commissioned for the Alfred Hill Memorial Award. The ballet was choreographed by Rex Reid. The "Sydney Morning Herald" called "The Forbidden Rite" "a triple success for composer Robert Hughes, producer William