OREANDA-NEWS. January 16, 2013. Thanks to grants from ExxonMobil and Russian state-owned oil company Rosneft, art and ballet enthusiasts in the U.S. will be able to view an exhibition this year of the Ballets Russes, one of the most innovative dance companies of the 20th century, reported the press-centre of ExxonMobil.

The exhibition, titled “Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes, 1909–1929: When Art Danced with Music,” will be on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. from May 12 through September 2. Russia’s Serge Diaghilev founded the Ballets Russes in Paris in 1909 and pushed the boundaries of theatrical performances for the next 20 years.

Strengthening relationships, cultural heritage

“This exhibition serves to foster better understanding between the American and Russian people,” said ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson. “We are honored to join Rosneft and the National Gallery of Art in promoting dialogue, interaction and commerce between our two countries.”

“The project marks a milestone in the partnership between Rosneft and ExxonMobil,” said Rosneft President Igor Sechin. “We are now discovering not only new oil fields in the interest of future energy security, but also new depths of our cultural heritage in the interest of mutual understanding and respect.”

ExxonMobil and Rosneft have a long-term strategic agreement to jointly explore and develop in Russia’s Black and Kara seas, as well as exploration and production projects in the United States and Canada. Most recently, the companies reached an agreement to assess tight oil reserves in the Bazhenov and Achimov formations of Western Siberia and to cooperate in protecting Arctic ecosystems during exploration and production.

Exhibition details

The Ballets Russes revolutionized ballet by establishing unprecedented collaboration between artists, composers, choreographers and dancers. The company drew upon both Russian and Western traditions to thrill and surprise audiences with a powerful fusion of choreography, music, design and dance.

During its May 12 to September 2 display in the U.S., the exhibition will feature more than 135 original costumes, set designs, paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings, photographs, posters and film.