In the re-formation of Russian ballet companies after the death of Serge Diaghilev, Lichine became a charter member of Ballets Russes de Monte-Carlo, founded in January 1932 by Col. Wassily de Basil, René Blum, and Serge Grigoriev. As a principal dancer, Lichine stayed with de Basil's company from its inception until 1941, headlining the company through all its subsequent renamings, which finally ended as Original Ballet Russe in 1939. During his years with the company, Lichine danced in many ballets, creating roles in George Balanchine's "Cotillion, Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme," and "Suites de Danse" (all, 1932) and Léonide Massine's "Jeux d'Enfants" (1932), "Choreartium" (1933), "Les Présages" (1933), and "Union Pacific" (1934). A versatile and engaging "demi-caractère" dancer, he is also remembered for a brilliant rendition of Petipa's fluttering Bluebird in "Aurora's Wedding" and for a sensual portrayal of the title role in Nijinsky's "L'Après-midi d'un Faune".