 For Platel it meant the beginning of a successful artistic collaboration with Nureyev, who became, especially when he was director of the Paris Opera Ballet (1983–1989), one of the most important figures in her career.In 1983, Rudolf Nureyev mounted his first full-length ballet as recently appointed director of the Paris Opera Ballet, Marius Petipa's late masterpiece "Raymonda".Elisabeth Platel was chosen to dance the title role at the premiere.