Ballet Personalities
Meet the dancers, choreographers, composers and directors who define ballet—past and present. Biographies, interviews and career‑spanning retrospectives illuminate the artistry and ingenuity behind the world’s great stages.
Alicia Alonso was a Cuban prima ballerina and choreographer who revolutionized the art of ballet. She is renowned for founding the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and continuing to
Serge Diaghilev, a Russian impresario, founded the groundbreaking Ballets Russes. Through innovative collaborations and visionary productions, he reshaped modern ballet. This article examines his early life, the founding
African Americans who changed history through dance have left an indelible mark on the performing arts. This article, particularly during Black History Month, introduces five legendary figures whose
Misty Copeland became the first African American woman to be named principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, breaking barriers in ballet. Her journey from a late start
Sylvie Guillem is a celebrated French ballet dancer known for her extraordinary talent and revolutionary impact on the dance world. During her career, many have asked, “Who is
Jerome Robbins was an American choreographer, director, and dancer. Renowned for his work in both ballet and Broadway, Robbins is a key figure in 20th-century American dance. But
Ballet legend Mikhail Baryshnikov is a legendary ballet dancer and choreographer. Born in Latvia, he gained prominence in the Soviet Union before defecting to the West in 1974.
Looking for the most celebrated active ballet dancers? This article features top performers like Marianela Núñez, Natalia Osipova, and Misty Copeland, influenced by prestigious institutions such as the
Rudolf Nureyev, who is Rudolf Nureyev, was a Russian ballet dancer who became famous worldwide. Known for his defection to the West in 1961, he changed the role
Vaslav Nijinsky was a pioneering ballet dancer and choreographer whose work in the early 20th century transformed the dance world. Known for his performances with the Ballets Russes,