Russia is well known for many things, but among concertgoers, it is most known for producing many of the world's most famous ballet dancers. There are several well-known Russian ballet dancers who are admired for their charm, stage presence, and nearly flawless technical ability.
Here are 5 most famous Russian ballet dancers of the 20th century.
1. Mikhail Baryshnikov
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Mikhail Baryshnikov was one of the most well-known figures in the ballet world during the 1970s and 1980s. Because of his physical prowess and technical expertise, he was renowned for being able to execute difficult moves with a wonderful air of elegance.
He emigrated from the Soviet Union to Canada in 1974 to avoid the government’s suppression imposed on his performances and creations. Following his defection, he briefly joined the American Ballet Theater and went on tour with them performing timeless works like Don Quixote and The Nutcracker. During his time with the New York City Ballet in 1978–1979, Mikhail even had the opportunity to collaborate with the renowned choreographer George Balanchine.
2. Anna Pavlova (1881 - 1931)
(Photo: Public domain)
Anna Pavlova was known as one of the most-celebrated dancers of her time. She was a main dancer with both the Imperial Russian Ballet and Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. The Dying Swan part was created by Pavlova, who also founded her own company and became the first ballerina to tour the globe, including performances in South America, India, and Australia. Pavlova is most known for creating this role.
3. Maya Plisetskaya (1925 - 2015)
(Photo: Public domain)
Russian and Soviet ballerina Maya Plisetskaya was a Russia’s prima assoluta. She had a rough childhood since she was raised in a war-torn environment. She pursued a profession as a dancer and turned to ballet for solace. She possessed the same powerful dramatic talent as Pavlova, but her technical skills brought the Russian ballet to a whole new height.. She later worked as a ballet choreographer and director. Rodion Shchedrin, a composer, was her husband.
4. Rudolf Nureyev (1938 - 1993)
(Photo: Public domain)
Dancer and choreographer Rudolf Nureyev was born in the Soviet Union. To many male ballet dancers, Nureyev was the greatest male dancer of his generation. His early career was spent in Leningrad with the Kirov Ballet during the Soviet era. In 1961, despite the KGB's efforts to prevent him, he fled the Soviet Union for the West. This was the first Soviet artist to defect during the Cold War, and it made headlines around the world. He later performed with The Royal Ballet in London and oversaw the Paris Opera Ballet from 1983 until 1989.
5. Galina Ulanova (1910 - 1998)
(Photo: Public domain)
Soviet ballerina Galina Ulanova was destined to carry on her parents' dancer legacy after being born. She was the only dancer who have won the Hero of Socialist Labor award twice. She performed with both the Mariinsky and Bolshoi theaters. Her remarkable roles were Giselle, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. She was considered one of the best ballerinas of the 20th century.
Russia is undoubtedly a birthplace of many famous ballet dancers. If you’ve ever wondered how Russian ballet dancers shape the world of ballet, here’s an insightful video that would help: