Rudolph Nureyev

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Rudolf Nureyev
Rudolf Nureyev in 1973 by Allan Warren
Born
Rudolf Khametovich Nureyev

(1938-03-17)17 March 1938
Died6 January 1993(1993-01-06) (aged 54)
Cause of deathAIDS
NationalityTatar
CitizenshipAustrian
Alma materKirov Ballet School
Occupation(s)Ballet dancer, choreographer
Years active1958–1992
Partner(s)Erik Bruhn
(1961–1986, his death)
Websitewww.nureyev.org

Rudolf Khametovich Nureyev (17 March 1938 – 6 January 1993) was a Russian ballet dancer. He was one of the most celebrated dancers of the 20th century. In 1961 he defected to the West, despite KGB efforts to prevent him.[1] For some years he partnered Dame Margot Fonteyn.

The Dictionary of Dance says "His repertoire was enormous, including all the classics and the modern standards".[2] After his period with Fonteyn, Nureyev worked in several countries.

Nureyev was director, principal dancer and choreographer of Nureyev and Friends on Broadway (1974–75) and was artistic director of the Paris Opera House from 1983 to 1989. He promoted junior dancers, such as Sylvie Guillem, and commissioned new works. In the last years of his life he took up conducting.[2]

Nureyev was gay. He and his partner, Erik Bruhn, died of AIDS.[3]

Notes[change | change source]

  1. Bridcut, John (17 September 2007). "The KGB's long war against Rudolf Nureyev". London: The Telegraph. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Craine, Debra & Mackrell, Judith 2000. The Oxford dictionary of dance. Oxford University Press, p350. ISBN 0-19-860106-9
  3. Gay Nureyev