[Ballets Russes] Nijinsky, Waslaw. (1889-1950). Original 1914 "Saison Nijinsky" Program. One of the greatest rarities of ballet memorabilia, of which we have seen only a few other copies. An extremely fine original program from Nijinsky's shortlived "Saison Nijinsky," in London, just after his break from Diaghilev's Ballets Russes and from just before his rapid decline in health - physical and mental - which soon forced him from dance at the peak of his career and into to an asylum for the rest of his life. 10 x 12.5 inches. Heavy paper, bound in stiff wrappers with yellow string tie at spine, cover illustrated with a color portrait of the dancer. 11 pp. including four tipped-in striking gravure photographs of Nijinsky. Cover edges lightly nicked, but overall in very fine condition.

The "Saison Nijinsky'" in London followed Nijinsky's famous first major break from Diaghilev and marked his attempt to break free from his frought relationship as his disciple and lover. After putting together his own small company and luring his sister, Bronislava, away from the Ballets Russes to join him, Nijinsky's "Saison" was premiered at London's Palace Theatre on 2 March 1914 and had been planned to run for an eight- week season. But Nijinsky contracted influenza on March 15 and the tour was cut short - and the company disbanded. The few performances in London were the last times brother and sister danced together. For a detailed history of the "Saiason Nijinsky," see Peter Ostwald's "Vaslav Nijinsky: A Leap into Madness," pp. 103 - 122.