Vaslav Nijinsky. The name conjures images of breathtaking leaps, revolutionary choreography, and a talent that defined an era. His story, however, is also one interwoven with profound personal struggle, a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between artistic brilliance and mental health. Now, a new book, The Genius of Nijinsky, penned by former Media Director of The Australian Ballet, Jill Rivers, delves into the complexities of this legendary figure, offering fresh insights a century after his most impactful work.
Rivers' journey into Nijinsky's world began in 2001 during the filming of his diaries by filmmaker Paul Cox. This initial spark ignited a deep fascination, leading to an invitation to stay with Nijinsky's daughter, Tamara, in Arizona. This intimate access to his family – including his granddaughter Kinga and great-grandson Mark – provided Rivers with a unique perspective on the man behind the myth.
Drawing on her extensive experience within the dance world, including her time with The Australian Ballet and visits to the iconic theatres of St Petersburg, Moscow, and Odesa, Rivers embarked on a personal pilgrimage. Her research took her back to Russia, retracing Nijinsky's formative years at the Imperial School (now the Academy of Russian Ballet), and to Italy, where she met his grandson and namesake, Vaslav Markevitch.
What emerged from this dedicated exploration was a profound understanding of Nijinsky's visionary artistry. Rivers argues that Nijinsky was not merely a brilliant dancer but a true pioneer of Western Modernism, pushing boundaries in movement, literature, and art. In The Genius of Nijinsky, she champions his forward-thinking approach, highlighting how his innovative ideas continue to resonate today.
For Rivers, this project is deeply personal. As she states, "As a long-term Media Director of The Australian Ballet, the subject is close to my heart." This passion is evident in the book, which serves as both a celebration of Nijinsky's genius and a reflection on the tragic intersection of his artistic success and mental health.
The publication of The Genius of Nijinsky on March 31st is perfectly timed to coincide with The Australian Ballet's current Sydney season of the ballet Nijinsky. This synergy offers a wonderful opportunity for audiences to deepen their appreciation of the dancer's life and work, both on stage and through the pages of Rivers' insightful book.
The Genius of Nijinsky is available for purchase directly from Art-full Living for $29.95 at https://art-fullliving.com/the-genius-of-nijinsky-the-book/ and at selected bookstores including Abbeys and Better Read than Dead in Sydney, Readings and The Avenue bookstores in Melbourne, and Stoneman’s in Castlemaine.
About the Author:
Jill Rivers is an accomplished arts writer and facilitator with over forty years of experience in making arts and culture accessible. Her impressive career includes roles as a journalist specializing in the arts, Media Director of The Australian Ballet, and chairing Ausdance Victoria. She has also staged major events like the Australian Dance Awards and authored a dance biography and film script. Based in Castlemaine, Victoria, Rivers continues to be an active figure in the arts community, mentoring artists, producing events, and leading workshops on Arts for Health and Wellbeing. Her previous book, The Arts Apothecary, was published in 2017.