Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
In 1912, Diaghilev gave Nijinsky his first opportunity as a choreographer, for his production of "L'Après-midi d'un faune" to Claude Debussy's symphonic poem "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune". Featuring Nijinsky himself as the Faun, the ballet's frankly erotic nature caused a sensation. The following year, Nijinsky choreographed a new work by Debussy composed expressly for the Ballets Russes, "Jeux". Indifferently received by the public, "Jeux" was eclipsed two weeks later by the premiere of Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" ("Le Sacre du printemps"), also choreographed by Nijinsky.