At first afraid to not find funding, Kochno and Balanchine relied on a few contributions from friends, including Coco Chanel and Cole Porter.
Quickly, however, they found themselves in the hands of young and affable Edward James, husband of Tilly Losch, a dancer trained at the Vienna Opera Ballet who specialized in character and exotic roles.
[4] James, who received little admiration from Losch, hoped that he could gain her love by ensuring that direct relationship.
Composers ranged from Kurt Weill to Tchaikovsky, and designs were notable, with costumes by Barbara Karinska.
[9] One critic described the magnitude of the art in a green dress in the ballet, which Losch wore, as having an “atmospheric beauty.