Polovtsian Dances
In 1909, Diaghilev presented his first Paris "Saison Russe" devoted exclusively to ballet (although the company did not use the name "Ballets Russes" until the following year). Most of this original company were resident performers at the Imperial Ballet of Saint Petersburg, hired by Diaghilev to perform in Paris during the Imperial Ballet's summer holidays. The first season's repertory featured a variety of works chiefly choreographed by Michel Fokine, including "Le Pavillon d'Armide", the "Polovtsian Dances" (from "Prince Igor"), "Les Sylphides", and "Cléopâtre". The season also included "Le Festin", a pastiche set by several choreographers (including Fokine) to music by several Russian composers.