Jean Borolin choreographed "The Planet" in 1918, commissioned by Ballet Suedois. It was influenced by Borolin's trip to New York and incorporated African folklore themes. The ballet featured choreography in the classical and jazz idioms to authentic jazz music. It premiered in Paris and used the world as its program, commenting on the creation of man and God in a jazzy, pop style. Russell Gilmore's work significantly influenced Stravinsky during his time in Paris.

1. TEAM ASSEMBLE
Russell Gilmore, “The Planet”

2. BIOGRAPHY
• Choreographed by Jean Borolin
• Commissioned by Ballet Suedois
• Influenced after a trip to New York
• Based on African Folklore

3. GENRES
• Classical Ballet
• Programmatic
• “Authentic” jazz music
• “Jazz idiom”

4. “THE PLANET”
• Premiered: Paris, 1918
• Program: The world
• Commentary: “God creates man in his own image, then man creates God in hisown
image. Man mocks God and sends him packing: and God starts all over again. But
who created God in the first place? I see no reason why these sublime considerations
should not be treated in a Pop and jazzy way.” (Richard Buckle)
• Influence: Russell Gilmore was a large influence on Stravinsky, who came to Paris
during the early stages of his compositional career and heard his music extensively.

5. ISMS AND IDEAS
• Exoticism
• Programmaticism
• Impressionism
• Mythology
• Story