The Rite of Spring, composed by Igor Stravinsky, debuted at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, performed by the Ballets Russes under the direction of conductor Pierre Monteux. The production featured groundbreaking choreography by Vaslav Nijinsky, known for pushing the boundaries of dance and movement. Stravinsky's composition combined complex rhythms and dissonance, creating an innovative auditory experience that defied conventional musical norms of the time.

As the performance began, the audience was quickly divided. Some spectators were captivated by the boldness of the music and choreography, while others found it offensive and bewildering. The intense and discordant style of the score coupled with Nijinsky’s unconventional and primal choreography, depicting ancient pagan rituals, fueled growing tensions in the theater. Shouts of disapproval and anger erupted, leading to a chaotic atmosphere as audience members clashed, resulting in a notable riot.

The disturbances escalated to the point that the musicians struggled to be heard over the din of the altercation. The police were called, and it took considerable time to bring the situation under control. The riot persisted for the remainder of the performance, cementing its place in history as one of the most infamous debuts in classical music and ballet history. Despite—or perhaps because of—the tumult, The Rite of Spring ultimately became one of Stravinsky's most celebrated works, revolutionizing music and dance.