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Dance critic Judith Mackrell tells the story of Les Ballets Russes, the infamous but short-lived dance company, which gave its first sensational performance in Paris in 1909. She considers how in only 20 years it revolutionised ballet, moving away from the fairytale tradition and bringing modern dance into the 20th century. Notorious for innovative choreography, design, controversial performances, scandal and tumultuous love affairs, the company sparked a ballet boom.

Contributors include Sadler's Wells Theatre artistic director Alistair Spalding, Royal Ballet director Monica Mason and choreographer Javier de Frutos.