Jeux

ballet by Nijinsky

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June 29, 2026

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Jeux was a ballet choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky in 1913 for Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. The French word "jeu" translates to "game".1

Nijinsky's choreography for Jeux was considered groundbreaking for its time, incorporating modern themes and designs into ballet. The ballet depicted a tennis match, featuring sporting movements and dancers in contemporary attire. This marked a departure from traditional ballet themes and aesthetics, reflecting Nijinsky's innovative approach to choreography.2

Nijinsky, a celebrated dancer known for his spectacular leaps and interpretations, was a leading figure in 20th-century ballet. His choreographic works, including Jeux, L'Après-midi d'un faune, and The Rite of Spring, pushed the boundaries of the art form.32

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dance
Innovations in the 20th century
In Jeux (1913; “Games”), Nijinsky was one of the first choreographers to introduce a modern theme and modern design into ballet. Based on his own (rather erroneous) idea of a tennis match, the choreography incorporated sporting movements and dancers in modern dress. In The Rite of…
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In Jeux (1913; “Games”), Nijinsky was one of the first choreographers to introduce a modern theme and modern design into ballet. Based on his own (rather erroneous) idea of a tennis match, the choreography incorporated sporting movements and dancers in modern dress. In The Rite of…
Read More

Vaslav Nijinsky
Work as a choreographer
… the ballets L’Après-midi d’un faune, Jeux, and Le Sacre du printemps. Till Eulenspiegel was produced in the United States without Diaghilev’s personal supervision. Nijinsky’s work in the field of choreography was generally considered daringly original.
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… the ballets L’Après-midi d’un faune, Jeux, and Le Sacre du printemps. Till Eulenspiegel was produced in the United States without Diaghilev’s personal supervision. Nijinsky’s work in the field of choreography was generally considered daringly original.
Read More