MAURICE BEJART - Lot 211

MAURICE BEJART The Ballet du XXe siècle (“The Tales of Hoffmann,” “Romeo and Juliet,” etc.) and its dancers (Dolores Laga, Itomi Asakawa, Jorge Donn, etc.) 1960s. 6 photos (including four by Studio Bernand), vintage silver gelatin prints, captioned (with dated labels) on both spines, stamped (including the photographer’s stamp on four) and annotated on all six. 18 x 13 cm to 24.3 x 18 cm. Note: This set of six photographs taken in the 1960s is dedicated to Maurice Béjart, the Ballet du XXe Siècle, and several of its leading dancers, including Dolores Laga, Itomi Asakawa, and Jorge Donn. The images document, in particular, iconic productions such as *Les Contes d’Hoffmann* and *Romeo and Juliet*, which contributed to the company’s international renown. A key figure in the choreographic revival of the 20th century, Maurice Béjart profoundly transformed the art of ballet by opening it up to new forms of expression, blending classical tradition, modernity, contemporary music, and philosophical reflection. Founded in Brussels in 1960, the Ballet du XXe Siècle quickly became one of the world’s most influential companies, launching the careers of several dancers who went on to become legendary. Produced largely by Studio Bernand, these vintage prints serve as precious records of one of the most significant choreographic endeavors of the second half of the 20th century.