Ritual, Symbolism and an Archaic Depiction of Marriage in Nijinska's Les Noces

Nijinska, following Stravinsky's libretto, opted for abstraction. She created a generalized image of human emotion within a ritualistic form (Kisselgoff C13). Bronislava Nijinska, the first and only female to choreograph for Ballet Russes created a work titled Les Noces which first debuted at the Théâtre Gaîte-Lyrîqué in 1923. Les Noces, in English the Wedding explored the status of women in Russia. Nijinska wanted this piece to be a political statement addressing traditional values in The Soviet Union. In the piece, Nijinska uses movement, symbolism, costume, and music to bring this work of art to life. This research will deconstruct Bronislava Nijinska's work titled Les Noces addressing different choreographic tools used by the choreographer to portray conflict. This research is significant in that it explores the history of women throughout a considerable period in Russia. It is important that artists, teachers, performers, and choreographers are educated in past works, and choreographers to have and share knowledge with others. As artists there is a power and responsibility to bring light to prominent issues, we are passionate about.