Famous Russian ballet dancers. The most famous ballerinas

In this article we will tell you about those for whom dancing played a significant role in life and brought incredible popularity.

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Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan is a famous Indian film actor. He first appeared on the set at the age of 6, where he played a dancing boy. And Hrithik got the main role with which his career began at the age of 26, playing in the film “Say What You Love!”

The female part of India simply melted from the incredibly charming green-eyed actor, whose dancing literally drove me crazy. Hrithik is incredibly flexible, his movements are mesmerizing, as if he is living some kind of life while dancing.

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Madonna is an American singer. From the age of 4 she imitated the dances of the star Shirley Temple, and at the age of 15 she began serious ballet training. Teachers noted her incredible natural endurance. Her controversial but successful career has made Madonna one of the most talked about artists of all time.

Her fiery dances, which she skillfully demonstrates during her performances, are eye-catching. Madonna's dances have always been characterized as agile, rhythmic and mesmerizing movements. And a huge bonus to all this is an incredibly sensual and strong voice. Her concerts are enjoyed by millions of people around the world of different ages. Madonna truly deserves the title of one of the most gorgeous dancers on the planet.

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Shakira is a Colombian singer who has achieved dizzying popularity thanks to her fiery songs and beautiful choreography. Shakira's signature dance is considered to be belly dancing, which she always dances with the grace of a cat.

The singer was born and raised in Barranquilla. She wrote her first poem at the age of 4. At the age of 7, they bought her a typewriter and she continued to write her poetry.

At the age of 10, Shakira began dancing in front of the public - she performed oriental dances. She then won the “Long Live the Children!” dance competition. And a few years later, Shakira published her first album, which, however, was not successful. But, having released her third album, Shakira gained incredible popularity and an army of fans. And this is not surprising, because a clear and pleasant voice combined with delightful oriental dances and a beautiful face are simply doomed to success.

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Graham is an American dancer and choreographer. She created a troupe, a school and a dance technique, all under her own name. Martha was born in Pennsylvania. Her father worked as a doctor and practiced an unusual technique - the use of physical movements to treat nervous disorders. Martha was very interested in this technique. Already as a teenager, she studied the art of dance in Los Angeles.

In 1926, in New York she created her own dance company. She danced until she was 60, and later worked as a choreographer almost until her death.

Martha invented a new dance language that expressed passion, rage and ecstasy. Graham was the first dancer to be awarded the highest civilian honor, the Order of Liberty.

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Gene was born into a family of Irish immigrants. At the age of 8 he was sent to a dance school, but he preferred sports. But in 1929, when the guy entered college, his family found itself in a difficult financial situation. To help his family, he went to work as a choreographer in a Pittsburgh theater.

Kelly received a bachelor's degree in economics from the university and combined his studies and work as a dance teacher in the studios his family owned. But he did not have enough time to devote enough time to several professions and he chose a dance career. In 1938, Gene began dancing on the stage of Broadway theaters, mainly in operetta. His debut took place in 1942, in the film “For Me and My Girlfriend.” His dancing was known for its unique style - energetic and athletic.

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Joaquin Cortez

Cortez is the most popular Spanish dancer on the planet. He is often positioned as the king of flamenco. He was born in Cordoba, Spain. There were gypsies in his family, which he is very proud of. Cortez became interested in dancing while still a child. An example for him was his uncle, who was a famous flamenco dancer. In 1981, the guy began taking classical dance lessons.

Already at the age of 16, Cortes was accepted into the National Ballet of Spain, where he soon became a soloist. Cortez is a favorite of both men and women, with many celebrity fans such as Jennifer Lopez, Madonna and Naomi Campbell.

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Madhuri Dixit is a classical dancer and one of the leading actresses in Bollywood. She was born in Bombay into a Hindu family. The girl didn’t even think about becoming a dancer, but learned to dance the Indian Kathak dance.

Dixit's career did not start very successfully, but a few years later she was included in the list of the most successful Indian actresses and was included in the Guinness Book of Records in 2001 for the highest fees. She seems to hypnotize with her dance, her graceful and flexible movements will take your breath away. Her style is unique.

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Rudolf Nureyev is rightfully considered the greatest ballet dancer of the twentieth century. Their duet with ballerina Margot Fonteyn is still considered legendary. Rudolph headed the management of the Paris Opera ballet troupe for 6 years.

In 1961, he toured in Paris and was removed from the tour “for violating the rules of being abroad.” But he refused to return to the USSR and was convicted in absentia of treason.

In the last years of his life, he acted as a conductor, since he could no longer dance. In 1983, HIV was found in Nureyev’s blood. The disease progressed rapidly and Rudolf died of AIDS in 1993.

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Michael Jackson

The '80s pop star wowed the world with his eye-popping dance moves. He is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as many as 25 times! In 2009, he was officially recognized as an American legend and pop music icon.

Michael was born in Gary, Indiana. His father was very strict and harsh with him, but Jackson respected his discipline. In 1983, Jackson first introduced his signature “moonwalk,” which instantly captured the hearts of many people around the planet. This is still considered his unique attribute. The king of pom music even today has a huge crowd of fans who, even after the death of their idol, continue to love and idolize him.

On June 25, 2009, Michael died of a drug overdose. The news of death spread throughout the world within minutes. Millions of people were stunned by such terrible news and for a long time could not come to terms with the loss of the pop idol.

Jackson's albums are being released even after his death. These include unreleased songs. Michael Jackson continues to be the king of pop for the whole world.

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Baryshnikov is a ballet dancer of the USSR and America, an honored choreographer. Baryshnikov was born in Riga. He is recognized as one of the greatest ballet dancers of all history.

In 1967, Mikhail entered the Mariinsky Theater, immediately after college. He worked there for 7 years, instantly becoming famous. Choreographers admired his unique talent, impeccable execution and perfect coordination.

In 1974, Mikhail decided not to return from a tour of Canada. That same year, Baryshnikov performed in front of Americans for the first time. The audience was wildly delighted, and since then Mikhail has become a famous American dancer. He made a great contribution to the development of modern ballet and led many artistic projects. Mikhail Baryshnikov is a rightfully recognized modern dancer.

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Conclusion

This was the article The most popular dancers in the world. Thank you for your attention!

At all times, dance as an art form has attracted the attention of millions of spectators. For beginning dancers, they serve as a source of inspiration. Each of them achieved success thanks to their talent and long hard work.

Dance is not just movements honed according to special rules to the beat of music. This is a special philosophy that embodies freedom of thought, a rush of passion and absolute harmony. Dances performed by true masters fascinate, completely absorb, taking you into an unreal world to which the material is alien. It is not surprising that the names of the best dancers are passed down from generation to generation, confidently confirming the truth: true talent is immortal.

What was the creative path of the legendary Masters of Movement? How did the best dancers in the world achieve success? What did world recognition cost these great people? Is it possible to repeat their path? Let's open a few pages of dance history...

Bill Irwin: peaks are within reach

The star of one of the best dancers on the planet lit up in 1926 in the slums, and in the literal sense of the word. The small Scottish town of Kilseef, a simple mining family - let's face it, not the most favorable conditions for the development of creative abilities. However, it was the parents who became the main driving force for this: they just took little Bill to dance parties. At the age of 11, the boy, easily mastering steps in different directions, was already known as the best dancer in the area, and at 16 he won his first significant victory, backed by a prize of 10 shillings. Irwin's life path from that moment was predetermined...

Joaquin Cortez: become a king, be the best

A native of the North American gypsies-Kale, a descendant of an artistic dynasty, Cortez was born in 1969 and until the age of 12 he gained life experience... in “street universities.” It is unknown what kind of “education” the boy would have received, in the end, if not for the intervention of his uncle, who literally persuaded his nephew to take up dancing. This was a turning point that ensured worldwide fame for the Spaniard.

Today he is the King of Flamenco, the “Dancing Aphrodosiac”, the author of a new language of modern rhythmic movements that millions strive to master. .

Ulyana Lopatkina: ballet as the meaning of life

The list of the best dancers in the world includes many wonderful representatives who have achieved true heights on an equal basis with men in different directions. Many of them, having once fallen into the magical shackles of ballet, remained forever its devoted prisoners. Ulyana Lopatkina is a significant name in contemporary art, which is confirmed by world-class awards, including the Golden Mask and Vaganova-Prix. Having taken her first steps into the world of dance in early childhood, Ulyana Lopatkina continues to tirelessly hone her skills, which she generously shares with young talents.

Benjamin Millepied

The talented French ballet dancer and choreographer began his career with the New York City Ballet and became its principal dancer. Throughout his busy career, he worked with famous choreographers, performing in famous productions such as “Swan Lake”, “The Four Seasons”, “The Sleeping Beauty”. At the same time, he began to try himself as a choreographer, which brought him great success. His productions are imbued with a sense of freedom, a sense of flight without restrictions and an endless love for music. He became famous in the world of cinema thanks to his participation in the film “Black Swan” as a choreographer and actor.

Michael Flatley

A world-famous American dancer and choreographer, born into a family of Irish immigrants. He became famous thanks to his participation in famous shows that demonstrated the national Irish dance to the whole world. The boy’s love for tap dancing was instilled in him by his mother and grandmother, who themselves were involved in dancing. As a child, Michael won many dance competitions, but finding a well-paying job proved difficult. He began his career as a backup dancer for popular Irish folk groups. His participation in the dance performance “Riverdance” brought him worldwide fame, where he demonstrated his uniqueness to the world, combining the rhythms of Irish folk dance and step dance.

A few years later, Flatley created his own theatrical dance performance, “Lord of the Dance,” where he himself played the main role. It differed from others in its colorful costumes, fascinating plot, but at the same time retained the atmosphere of Irish culture. Each year he continued to improve his show by adding new elements. This is how another, no less popular dance performance appeared - “Feet of Flames”. Thanks to him, the world saw all the beauty and versatility of the national dance of Ireland.

Mark Ballas

American dancer, successor to the dynasty of famous figures in the art of dance. Their dynasty includes: their grandmother danced Spanish dance - flamenco, parents Shirley and Corky Ballas are famous choreographers of Latin American dances. Mark began to learn dancing in his grandfather's dance studio, which at that time was considered the largest in the world. When Mark was 10 years old, he won a Latin American dance competition. This was followed by numerous victories at world championships and a victory at the Youth Olympics. He is also known for starring in major musicals such as Copacabana and Maria De Buenos Aires.

He, like many, did not ignore the project “Dancing with the Stars”, in the 5th season of which, together with his partner, he scored the maximum number of points.

Derek Hough

Hereditary American dancer, champion in Latin American dancing. His parents, who were themselves former ballroom dancers, sent him to study dance in London, where he began his career under the guidance of the famous choreographer parents of dancer Mark Ballas. And there, in London, together with his sister and Mark Ballas, they organized the trio “2B1G”, performing together on television shows.

His main achievements are considered to be victory at the sports ballroom dancing championship and victory in the “Outstanding Dancer of the Year” nomination.

Paula Abdul

The talented American began her creative career by participating in the support group of a basketball team and grew to the status of one of the best dancers and choreographers in the world. At one of the NBA championship games, the Jackson brothers noticed her and invited her to participate in their show. From that moment on, her successful career began as a choreographer for the famous musical shows of the Jackson brothers, and it was with them that she first choreographed a music video.

After her dizzying success, Paula began collaborating with many famous stars and choreographing dance numbers for Hollywood films. Her dance shows opened such a large-scale event as the Oscar ceremony.

In addition to dancing, Paula is known as a singer and producer. Many of her popular songs were at the top of the charts in the USA, Great Britain, Canada and other countries of the world. Participation in the American Idol project as a choreographer and jury member brought her additional popularity and financial well-being. Now she continues to work on new music albums, tries herself as a jewelry designer and has her own dance studio.

JabbaWockeeZ

A male dance group from America gained fame after participating in the “America’s Got Talent” project and winning a hip-hop competition. The peculiarity of their performance was that they performed in white masks and gloves, creating an aura of mystery around themselves and emphasizing the team spirit of the group. Thanks to this success, the guys were able to demonstrate their dance creativity on a world tour with Shaquille O'Neill, starring in video clips and films.

Karina Smirnoff

The road to success in ballroom dancing for this American with Ukrainian roots was very branchy: she studied ballet, figure skating, gymnastics, acrobatics, and only then found herself in ballroom dancing, becoming a multiple champion of world competitions and a five-time US champion. She is also known for her participation in television projects and reality shows such as Dancing with the Stars and Chelsea Lately.

Cheryl Burke

Another famous participant in the “Dancing with the Stars” project, Cheryl Burke, successfully combines her career as a dancer and choreographer. Her most famous production is considered to be the Christmas parade show for the Disney parks. Cheryl has opened several dance schools and has her own dance studio in San Francisco

iJustine

Justin Isarick, the star of video blogs, is not a professional dancer, but her performances have brought her wild popularity on the Internet. She makes videos on various topics, reflecting on life with humor. Through dancing she expresses her good mood and positive attitude towards life. These positive emotions and humor are liked by the audience, and bring her multi-million views on the Internet.

The best dancer - this title obliges, forcing you to constantly learn, develop and strive. This requires a special creative atmosphere, where everything will be subordinated to the main thing - perfection in movements. A good dance hall, a professional trainer, the support of loved ones, maximum desire - and the peaks are not as far as it seems...

The best dancers in the world continue to show off their talents, leaving us gasping in admiration. Every year new talented stars appear on the horizon of dance art.

Publications in the Theaters section

Modern Russian ballerinas. Top 5

The proposed five leading ballerinas include artists who began their careers in the main musical theaters of our country - the Mariinsky and the Bolshoi - in the 90s, when the situation in politics, and then in culture, was rapidly changing. The ballet theater became more open due to the expansion of the repertoire, the arrival of new choreographers, the emergence of additional opportunities in the West, and at the same time more demanding of performing skills.

This short list of stars of the new generation opens with Ulyana Lopatkina, who came to the Mariinsky Theater in 1991 and is now almost finishing her career. At the end of the list is Victoria Tereshkina, who also began working in the era of perestroika in ballet art. And right behind her comes the next generation of dancers, for whom the Soviet legacy is only one of many directions. These are Ekaterina Kondaurova, Ekaterina Krysanova, Olesya Novikova, Natalya Osipova, Oksana Kardash, but more about them another time.

Ulyana Lopatkina

Today's media call Natalia Dudinskaya's student Ulyana Lopatkina (born in 1973) a “style icon” of Russian ballet. There is a grain of truth in this catchy definition. She is the ideal Odette-Odile, the true “two-faced” heroine of “Swan Lake” in the coldly refined Soviet version by Konstantin Sergeev, who also managed to develop and convincingly embody on stage another swan image in Mikhail Fokine’s decadent miniature “The Dying Swan” by Camille Saint-Saëns. From these two works of hers, recorded on video, Lopatkina is recognized on the street by thousands of fans all over the world, and hundreds of young ballet students are trying to master the craft and unravel the mystery of transformation. The refined and sensual Swan is Ulyana, and for a long time, even when the new generation of dancers eclipses the brilliant galaxy of ballerinas of the 1990–2000s, Odetta-Lopatkina will bewitch. She was also unattainable, technically precise and expressive in “Raymond” by Alexander Glazunov, “The Legend of Love” by Arif Melikov. She would not have been called a “style icon” without her contribution to the ballets of George Balanchine, whose American heritage, imbued with the culture of the Russian Imperial Ballet, was mastered by the Mariinsky Theater when Lopatkina was at the very peak of her career (1999–2010). Her best roles, namely roles, not parts, since Lopatkina knows how to dramatically fill plotless compositions, were solo works in “Diamonds”, “Piano Concerto No. 2”, “Theme and Variations” to the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, “Waltz” by Maurice Ravel . The ballerina participated in all the avant-garde projects of the theater and, based on the results of collaboration with modern choreographers, will give a head start to many.

Ulyana Lopatkina in the choreographic miniature “The Dying Swan”

Documentary film “Ulyana Lopatkina, or Dancing on Weekdays and on Holidays”

Diana Vishneva

Second by birth, only three years younger than Lopatkina, student of the legendary Lyudmila Kovaleva Diana Vishneva (born in 1976), in reality she never “came” second, but only first. It so happened that Lopatkina, Vishneva and Zakharova, separated from each other by three years, walked side by side at the Mariinsky Theater, full of healthy rivalry and at the same time admiration for each other’s enormous, but completely different capabilities. Where Lopatkina reigned as the languid, graceful Swan, and Zakharova formed a new - urban - image of the romantic Giselle, Vishneva performed the function of the goddess of the wind. Having not yet graduated from the Academy of Russian Ballet, she already danced on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater Kitri, the main character in Don Quixote, and a few months later she showed her achievements in Moscow on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater. And at the age of 20 she became a prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theater, although many have to wait until they are 30 or more years old to be promoted to this status. At 18 (!), Vishneva tried on the role of Carmen in a number composed specially for her by Igor Belsky. In the late 90s, Vishneva was rightfully considered the best Juliet in Leonid Lavrovsky’s canonical version, and she also became the most graceful Manon Lescaut in Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet of the same name. Since the early 2000s, in parallel with St. Petersburg, where she participated in many productions of such choreographers as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, William Forsythe, Alexei Ratmansky, Angelen Preljocaj, she began performing abroad as a guest etoile (“ballet star”). Now Vishneva often works in her own projects, commissioning ballets for herself from famous choreographers (John Neumeier, Alexei Ratmansky, Caroline Carlson, Moses Pendleton, Dwight Rhoden, Jean-Christophe Maillot). The ballerina regularly dances in premieres of Moscow theaters. Vishneva enjoyed enormous success in the Bolshoi Theater ballet choreographed by Mats Ek “The Apartment” (2013) and in John Neumeier’s play “Tatyana” based on “Eugene Onegin” by Alexander Pushkin at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Musical Theater in 2014. In 2013, she became one of the organizers of the November festival of contemporary dance Context, which since 2016 has been taking place not only in Moscow, but also in St. Petersburg.

Documentary film “Always on the move. Diana Vishneva"

Svetlana Zakharova

The youngest of the three famous chicks of the A. Vaganova Academy from the 90s, Svetlana Zakharova (born in 1979) instantly caught up with her rivals and in some ways surpassed them, acting like the once great Leningrad ballerinas Marina Semyonova and Galina Ulanova, “to serve” at the Moscow Bolshoi Theater in 2003. She had behind her her studies with the excellent ARB teacher Elena Evteeva, experience working with Olga Moiseeva, the star of the Kirov Ballet of the 70s, and a gigantic track record. In any of the performances of the St. Petersburg period, Zakharova stood out clearly. Her strong point, on the one hand, was the interpretation of heroines in ancient ballets by Marius Petipa, restored by Sergei Vikharev, and soloists in avant-garde productions by leading choreographers, on the other. In terms of natural data and “technical characteristics,” Zakharova not only surpassed her colleagues at the Mariinsky Theater and then at the Bolshoi, she entered the cohort of the most sought-after ballerinas in the world who dance everywhere in guest status. And the most important ballet company in Italy - La Scala Ballet - offered her a permanent contract in 2008. Zakharova at some point admitted that she danced “Swan Lake”, “La Bayadère” and “The Sleeping Beauty” in all possible stage versions from Hamburg to Paris and Milan. At the Bolshoi Theatre, shortly after Zakharova moved to Moscow, John Neumeier staged his program ballet A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the ballerina shone in it in the double role of Hippolyta-Titania opposite Nikolai Tsiskaridze's Oberon. She also took part in the production of “Lady with Camellias” by Neumeier at the Bolshoi. Zakharova successfully collaborates with Yuri Posokhov - she danced the premiere of his “Cinderella” at the Bolshoi Theater in 2006 and in 2015 she performed the role of Princess Mary in “A Hero of Our Time.”

Documentary film “Prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theater Svetlana Zakharova. Revelation"

Maria Alexandrova

At the same time, when the triad of St. Petersburg dancers conquered Northern Palmyra, the star of Maria Alexandrova (born in 1978) rose in Moscow. Her career developed with a slight delay: when she came to the theater, ballerinas of the previous generation had finished their time dancing - Nina Ananiashvili, Nadezhda Gracheva, Galina Stepanenko. In the ballets with their participation, Alexandrova - bright, temperamental, even exotic - was in the supporting roles, but it was she who received all the experimental premieres of the theater. Critics saw the very young ballerina in Alexei Ratmansky’s ballet “Dreams of Japan”; soon she interpreted Catherine II in Boris Eifman’s ballet “Russian Hamlet” and others. And debuts in the main roles of such ballets as “Swan Lake”, “Sleeping Beauty” ", "Raymonda", "The Legend of Love", she waited patiently for years.

The year 2003 became fateful when Alexandrova was chosen as Juliet by the new wave choreographer Radu Poklitaru. It was an important performance that opened the way for new choreography (without pointe shoes, without classical positions) at the Bolshoi Theater, and Alexandrova held the revolutionary banner. In 2014, she repeated her success in another Shakespearean ballet - The Taming of the Shrew, choreographed by Mayo. In 2015, Alexandrova began collaborating with choreographer Vyacheslav Samodurov. He staged a ballet about the theater behind the scenes - “Curtain” in Yekaterinburg, and in the summer of 2016 he chose her for the role of Ondine in the ballet of the same name at the Bolshoi Theater. The ballerina managed to use the forced waiting time to hone the dramatic side of the role. The secret source of her creative energy aimed at acting does not dry out, and Alexandrova is always on alert.

Documentary film “Monologues about myself. Maria Alexandrova"

Victoria Tereshkina

Like Alexandrova at the Bolshoi, Victoria Tereshkina (born 1983) was in the shadow of the aforementioned trio of ballerinas. But she did not wait for anyone to retire; she began to energetically capture parallel spaces: she experimented with novice choreographers, did not get lost in the difficult ballets of William Forsythe (Approximate Sonata, for example). She often did what others did not undertake, or attempted, but could not cope with, but Tereshkina succeeded and is succeeding in absolutely everything. Her main strength was impeccable mastery of technique, helped by endurance and the presence of a reliable teacher nearby - Lyubov Kunakova. It is curious that, unlike Alexandrova, who went into the true drama that is only possible on the ballet stage, Tereshkina “focused” on improving technique and erected a triumphant plotlessness into a cult. Her favorite plot, which she always plays on stage, grows out of a sense of form.

Documentary film “The Royal Box. Victoria Tereshkina"

On March 17, the great Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev would have turned 78 years old. Ballet classic Roland Petit called Nuriev dangerous, the press called him a frantic Tatar, and rock stars and royalty confessed their love to him. ELLE - about the “ballet Russians” who have achieved success in the West.

Sarah Bernhardt considered Nijinsky the greatest actor in the world, the press - no less than the eighth wonder of the world. A native of Kyiv, a dancer at the Mariinsky Theater, Nijinsky made his debut in Paris, where he amazed audiences and critics with his phenomenal technique, plasticity and taste. And the most amazing thing is that his career as a dancer lasted only ten years. In 1917, he appeared on stage for the last time, and until his death in 1950, he struggled with schizophrenia, moving between psychiatric clinics. Nijinsky’s influence on world ballet is difficult to overestimate, and his diaries are still deciphered and interpreted differently by specialists.

One of the main stars of Russian ballet in the world, Nureyev was a real pop star, bright and scandalous. A difficult, quarrelsome character, arrogance, stormy personal life and a penchant for outrageousness did not obscure the main thing - the incredible talent of Nuriev, who managed to combine together the traditions of ballet and current, as they say now, trends. A native of Ufa, the long-awaited son, who did not live up to the hopes of his military father, who contemptuously called Rudolf “ballerina,” made his most famous jump not on stage, but in the control zone of the Paris airport. In 1961, the Soviet dancer Nureyev suddenly took off with 30 francs in his pocket, asking for political asylum. Thus began Nuriev’s ascent to the world ballet Olympus. Fame, money, luxury, parties at Studio 54, gold, brocade, rumors of affairs with Freddie Mercury, Yves Saint Laurent, Elton John - and the best roles in the London Royal Ballet, directorship in the ballet group of the Paris Grand Opera. A completely ill Nuriev spent the last hundred days of his life in his beloved Paris. He is buried there.

Another famous representative of ballet, who can safely be called a pop star, is in many ways similar to Nuriev: childhood in a Soviet province (if we consider Riga as a province - still not Moscow or Leningrad), complete misunderstanding on the part of his father and a real artistic rise outside THE USSR. Remaining in the West in 1974, Baryshnikov quickly gained a foothold at the top: first he headed the legendary New York City Ballet, then for nine years, from 1980 to 1989, he directed the no less famous American Ballet Theater. He also actively and quite successfully, although unevenly, acted in films, became a socialite, and met with Hollywood beauties Jessica Lange and Liza Minnelli. And to a new public, far from ballet (and, by the way, from Joseph Brodsky, with whom Baryshnikov had a real friendship), this incredible person became known thanks to a small but noticeable role in the TV series “Sex and the City.” Sarah Jessica Parker is his biggest fan. called Mikhail Baryshnikov a tough boy. Who would argue.

Vladimir Vasiliev is a symbol of the Bolshoi Theater and all Russian ballet of the second half of the 20th century. Due to the fact that Vasiliev lived in the Soviet Union, his popularity in the West is much inferior to the glory of the same Baryshnikov, although art connoisseurs, of course, know and appreciate him. Vasiliev worked mainly in Europe, gradually changing his profession to choreographer. Kazan and Paris, Rome and Perm, Vilnius and Rio - the geography of Vasiliev’s creative movements affirms and confirms his cosmopolitanism.

The blond giant, Bolshoi star, Godunov, in August 1979, while on tour in the States, decided not to return home. A terrible drama unfolded, in which not only the artist himself and his wife, ballerina Lyudmila Vlasova, were involved, but also Joseph Brodsky, the FBI, and even the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union. Remaining in the States, Godunov joined the famous American Ballet Theater, which he eventually left after a quarrel with his best friend Mikhail Baryshnikov. Then there was work within the framework of his own project “Godunov and Friends”, success, an affair with actress Jacqueline Bisset and an abrupt departure from the profession. Bisset persuaded Alexander to start a film career, and he partially succeeded: “Witness” with Harrison Ford and especially “Die Hard” made yesterday’s ballet dancer a Hollywood star. However, Godunov himself did not like being on the sidelines, although those who had not even been interested in ballet had now learned about “this Russian.”

He never returned to dancing, and in 1995 he died at the age of 45. “I believe that he did not take root and died of loneliness,” said Joseph Brodsky, who took an active part in his fate as a “defector.”

Alonso Alicia(b. 1921), Cuban prima ballerina. A dancer of a romantic nature, she was especially magnificent in “Giselle.” In 1948 she founded the Alicia Alonso Ballet in Cuba, which later became known as the National Ballet of Cuba. Alonso's stage life was very long; she stopped performing at the age of over sixty.

Andreyanova Elena Ivanovna(1819-1857), Russian ballerina, the largest representative of romantic ballet. The first performer of the title roles in the ballets "Giselle" and "Paquita". Many choreographers created roles in their ballets especially for Andreyanova.

Ashton Frederick(1904-1988), English choreographer and director of the Royal Ballet of Great Britain in 1963-1970. Several generations of English ballet dancers grew up on the performances he staged. Ashton's style determined the characteristics of the English ballet school.

Balanchine George(Georgy Melitonovich Balanchivadze, 1904-1983), outstanding Russian-American choreographer of the 20th century, innovator. He was convinced that dance does not need the help of a literary plot, scenery and costumes, but the most important thing is the interaction of music and dance. Balanchine's influence on world ballet is difficult to overestimate. His legacy includes more than 400 works.

Baryshnikov Mikhail Nikolaevich(b. 1948), dancer of the Russian school. Masterly classical technique and purity of style made Baryshnikov one of the most famous representatives of male dance in the 20th century. After graduating from the Leningrad Choreographic School, Baryshnikov was accepted into the ballet troupe of the S.M. Kirov Opera and Ballet Theater and soon performed leading classical roles. In June 1974, while on tour with the Bolshoi Theater troupe in Toronto, Baryshnikov refused to return to the USSR. In 1978, he joined J. Balanchine's New York City Ballet troupe, and in 1980 he became artistic director of the American Ballet Theater and remained in this position until 1989. In 1990, Baryshnikov and choreographer Mark Morris founded the White Oak Dance Project, which over time grew into a large traveling troupe with a modern repertoire. Among Baryshnikov's awards are gold medals at international ballet competitions.

Bejar Maurice(b. 1927), French choreographer, born in Marseille. He founded the troupe "Ballet of the 20th Century" and became one of the most popular and influential choreographers in Europe. In 1987, he moved his troupe to Lausanne (Switzerland) and changed its name to “Béjart Ballet in Lausanne”.

Blasis Karlo(1797-1878), Italian dancer, choreographer and teacher. He directed the dance school at the La Scala theater in Milan. Author of two famous works on classical dance: “Treatise on Dance” and “Code Terpsichore”. In the 1860s he worked in Moscow, at the Bolshoi Theater and ballet school.

Bournonville August(1805-1879), Danish teacher and choreographer, was born in Copenhagen, where his father worked as a choreographer. In 1830 he headed the ballet of the Royal Theater and staged many performances. They are carefully preserved by many generations of Danish artists.

Vasiliev Vladimir Viktorovich(b. 1940), Russian dancer and choreographer. After graduating from the Moscow Choreographic School, he worked in the Bolshoi Theater troupe. Possessing a rare gift of plastic transformation, he had an unusually wide range of creativity. His performing style is noble and courageous. Winner of many international awards and prizes. He was repeatedly named the best dancer of the era. His name is associated with the highest achievements in the field of male dance. Permanent partner of E. Maksimova.

Vestris Auguste(1760-1842), French dancer. His creative life was extremely successful at the Paris Opera until the revolution of 1789. He then emigrated to London. He is also famous as a teacher: among his students are J. Perrault, A. Bournonville, Maria Taglioni. Vestris, the greatest dancer of his era, possessed a virtuoso technique and a large jump, had the title "god of dance."

Geltser Ekaterina Vasilievna(1876-1962), Russian dancer. She was the first ballet dancer to be awarded the title "People's Artist of the RSFSR". A bright representative of the Russian school of classical dance. In her performance she combined lightness and swiftness with breadth and softness of movements.

Goleizovsky Kasyan Yaroslavovich(1892-1970), Russian choreographer. Participant in the innovative experiments of Fokin and Gorsky. Musicality and rich imagination determined the originality of his art. In his work he sought a modern sound of classical dance.

Gorsky Alexander Alekseevich(1871-1924), Russian choreographer and teacher, ballet reformer. He strove to overcome the conventions of academic ballet, replaced pantomime with dance, and achieved historical accuracy in the design of the performance. A significant phenomenon was the ballet “Don Quixote” in its production, which to this day is in the repertoire of ballet theaters around the world.

Grigorovich Yuri Nikolaevich(b. 1927), Russian choreographer. For many years he was the chief choreographer of the Bolshoi Theater, where he staged the ballets “Spartacus”, “Ivan the Terrible” and “The Golden Age”, as well as his own editions of ballets from the classical heritage. His wife, Natalia Bessmertnova, performed in many of them. He made a great contribution to the development of Russian ballet.

Grisi Carlotta(1819-1899), Italian ballerina, first performer of the role of Giselle. She performed in all European capitals and at the St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theater. Distinguished by her extraordinary beauty, she possessed in equal measure the passion of Fanny Elsler and the lightness of Maria Taglioni.

Danilova Alexandra Dionisevna(1904-1997), Russian-American ballerina. In 1924 she left Russia with J. Balanchine. She was a ballerina in Diaghilev's troupe until his death, then danced in the Russian Ballet of Monte Carlo troupe. She did a lot for the development of classical ballet in the West.

De Valois Ninet(b. 1898), English dancer, choreographer. In 1931 she founded the Vic Wells Ballet troupe, which later became known as the Royal Ballet.

Didelot Charles Louis(1767-1837), French choreographer and teacher. For a long time he worked in St. Petersburg, where he staged more than 40 ballets. His activities in Russia helped propel Russian ballet to one of the first places in Europe.

Geoffrey Robert(1930-1988), American dancer, choreographer. In 1956 he founded the Joffrey Ballet troupe.

Duncan Isadora(1877-1927), American dancer. One of the founders of modern dance. Duncan put forward the slogan: “Freedom of body and spirit gives rise to creative thought.” She sharply opposed the school of classical dance and advocated the development of mass schools where children would learn through dance the beauty of the natural movements of the human body. Duncan's ideal was ancient Greek frescoes and sculpture. She replaced the traditional ballet costume with a light Greek tunic and danced without shoes. This is where the name "barefoot dance" comes from. Duncan improvised talentedly; her movements consisted of walking, running on half-toes, light jumps and expressive gestures. At the beginning of the 20th century, the dancer was very popular. In 1922 she married poet S. Yesenin and accepted Soviet citizenship. However, in 1924 she left the USSR. Duncan's art has undoubtedly influenced modern choreography.

Diaghilev Sergei Pavlovich(1872-1929), Russian theater figure, ballet impresario, director of the famous Russian Ballet. In an effort to introduce Russian art to Western Europe, Diaghilev organized an exhibition of Russian painting and a series of concerts in Paris in 1907, and the following season, the production of a number of Russian operas. In 1909, he assembled a troupe consisting of dancers from the Imperial Theaters, and during the summer vacation he took it to Paris, where he held the first “Russian Season”, in which such dancers as A.P. participated. Pavlova, T.P. Karsavina, M.M. Fokin, V.F. Nijinsky. "The Season", which was a huge success and stunned the public with its novelty, became a real triumph of Russian ballet and, of course, had a huge influence on the subsequent development of world choreography. In 1911, Diaghilev created a permanent troupe, Diaghilev's Russian Ballet, which existed until 1929. He chose ballet as a vehicle for new ideas in art and saw in it a synthesis of modern music, painting and choreography. Diaghilev was an inspiration for the creation of new masterpieces and a skillful discoverer of talent.

Ermolaev Alexey Nikolaevich(1910-1975), dancer, choreographer, teacher. One of the most prominent representatives of the Russian ballet school of the 20-40s of the twentieth century. Ermolaev destroyed the stereotype of a courteous and gallant gentleman dancer, changed the idea of ​​the possibilities of male dance and brought it to a new level of virtuosity. His performance of parts of the classical repertoire was unexpected and profound, and his style of dancing itself was unusually expressive. As a teacher, he trained many outstanding dancers.

Ivanov Lev Ivanovich(1834-1901), Russian choreographer, choreographer of the Mariinsky Theater. Together with M. Petipa he staged the ballet "Swan Lake", the author of the "swan" acts - the second and fourth. The genius of his production has stood the test of time: almost all choreographers who turn to “Swan Lake” leave the “swan acts” intact.

Istomina Avdotya Ilyinichna(1799-1848), leading dancer of the St. Petersburg Ballet. She had rare stage charm, grace, and virtuoso dance technique. In 1830, due to a leg illness, she switched to mime roles, and in 1836 she left the stage. Pushkin in “Eugene Onegin” has lines dedicated to her:

Brilliant, half-airy,
I obey the magic bow,
Surrounded by a crowd of nymphs,
Worth Istomin; she,
One foot touching the floor,
The other slowly circles,
And suddenly he jumps, and suddenly he flies,
Flies like feathers from the lips of Aeolus;
Either the camp will sow, then it will develop
And with a quick foot he hits the leg.

Camargo Marie(1710-1770), French ballerina. She became famous for her virtuoso dance while performing at the Paris Opera. The first of the women began to perform cabriole and entrechat, which were previously considered a part of the technique of exclusively male dance. She also shortened her skirts to allow her to move more freely.

Karsavina Tamara Platonovna(1885-1978), leading ballerina of the St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet. She performed in Diaghilev's troupe from the first performances and was often Vaslav Nijinsky's partner. The first performer in many of Fokine's ballets.

Kirkland Gelsey(b. 1952), American ballerina. Extremely gifted, as a teenager she received leading roles from J. Balanchine. In 1975, at the invitation of Mikhail Baryshnikov, she joined the American Ballet Theater troupe. She was considered the best performer of the role of Giselle in the United States.

Kilian Jiri(b. 1947), Czech dancer and choreographer. Since 1970 he danced in the troupe of the Stuttgart Ballet, where he performed his first productions, and since 1978 he has been the director of the Dutch Dance Theater, which thanks to him won world fame. His ballets are staged all over the world; they are distinguished by a special style, based mainly on adagio and emotionally rich sculptural structures. The influence of his work on modern ballet is very great.

Kolpakova Irina Aleksandrovna(b. 1933), Russian ballerina. She danced at the Opera and Ballet Theater. CM. Kirov. Classic ballerina, one of the best performers of the role of Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty. In 1989, at the invitation of Baryshnikov, she became a teacher at the American Ball Theater.

Cranko John(1927-1973), English choreographer of South African origin. His productions of multi-act narrative ballets became very famous. From 1961 until the end of his life he directed the Stuttgart Ballet.

Kshesinskaya Matilda Feliksovna(1872-1971), Russian artist, teacher. She had a bright artistic personality. Her dance was distinguished by bravura, cheerfulness, flirtatiousness and at the same time classical completeness. In 1929 she opened her studio in Paris. Prominent foreign dancers, including I. Shovir and M. Fontaine, took lessons from Kshesinskaya.

Lepeshinskaya Olga Vasilievna(b. 1916), Russian dancer. In 1933-1963 she worked at the Bolshoi Theater. She had sparkling technique. Her performance was distinguished by its temperament, emotional richness, and precision of movements.

Liepa Maris Eduardovich(1936-1989), Russian dancer. Liepa's dance stood out for its courageous, confident manner, breadth and strength of movements, clarity, and sculptural design. The thoughtfulness of all the details of the role and the bright theatricality made him one of the most interesting “dancing actors” of the ballet theater. Liepa's best role was the role of Crassus in the ballet "Spartacus" by A. Khachaturian, for which he received the Lenin Prize.

Makarova Natalia Romanovna(b. 1940), dancer. In 1959-1970 - artist of the Opera and Ballet Theater. CM. Kirov. Unique plastic abilities, perfect skill, external grace and internal passion - all this is characteristic of her dance. Since 1970, the ballerina has lived and worked abroad. Makarova’s work increased the glory of the Russian school and influenced the development of foreign choreography.

McMillan Kenneth(1929-1992), English dancer and choreographer. After the death of F. Ashton, he was recognized as the most influential choreographer in England. MacMillan's style is a combination of the classical school with a more free-spirited, flexible and acrobatic one, which was developed in Europe.

Maksimova Ekaterina Sergeevna(b. 1939), Russian ballerina. She joined the Bolshoi Theater troupe in 1958, where Galina Ulanova rehearsed with her, and soon began playing leading roles. He has great stage charm, filigree precision and purity of dance, grace, elegance of plasticity. She has equal access to comedic colors, subtle lyricism and drama.

Markova Alicia(b. 1910), English ballerina. As a teenager she danced in Diaghilev's troupe. One of the most famous performers of the role of Giselle, she was distinguished by her exceptional ease of dance.

Messerer Asaf Mikhailovich(1903-1992), Russian dancer, choreographer, teacher. He started studying at ballet school at the age of sixteen. Very soon he became a classical virtuoso dancer of an unusual style. Constantly increasing the complexity of the movements, he introduced energy, athletic strength and passion into them. On stage he seemed like a flying athlete. At the same time, he had a bright comedic gift and a unique artistic humor. He became especially famous as a teacher, since 1946 he taught a class for leading dancers and ballerinas at the Bolshoi Theater.

Messerer Sulamif Mikhailovna(b. 1908), Russian dancer, teacher. Sister of A. M. Messerer. In 1926-1950 - artist of the Bolshoi Theater. A dancer of an unusually wide repertoire, she performed roles from lyrical to dramatic and tragic. Since 1980 he has lived abroad and taught in different countries.

Moiseev Igor Alexandrovich(b. 1906), Russian choreographer. In 1937 he created the USSR Folk Dance Ensemble, which became an outstanding phenomenon in the history of world dance culture. The choreographic suites he staged are real examples of folk dance. Moiseev is an honorary member of the Academy of Dance in Paris.

Myasin Leonid Fedorovich(1895-1979), Russian choreographer and dancer. He studied at the Moscow Imperial Ballet School. In 1914 he entered the ballet troupe of S.P. Diaghilev and made his debut in “Russian Seasons”. Massine's talent as a choreographer and character dancer developed rapidly, and the dancer soon gained worldwide fame. After Diaghilev's death, Massine became head of the Russian Ballet of Monte Carlo.

Nijinsky Vaslav Fomich(1889-1950), outstanding Russian dancer and choreographer. At the age of 18 he performed leading roles at the Mariinsky Theater. In 1908, Nijinsky met S. P. Diaghilev, who invited him as a leading dancer to participate in the “Russian Ballet Season” of 1909. The Parisian public enthusiastically greeted the brilliant dancer with his exotic appearance and amazing technique. Nijinsky then returned to the Mariinsky Theater, but was soon fired (he appeared in a too revealing costume in the play "Giselle", which was attended by the Dowager Empress) and became a permanent member of Diaghilev's troupe. Soon he tried his hand as a choreographer and replaced Fokine in this post. Nijinsky was an idol throughout Europe. His dance combined strength and lightness, and he amazed the audience with his breathtaking leaps. It seemed to many that the dancer was freezing in the air. He had a wonderful gift of transformation and extraordinary facial abilities. On stage, Nijinsky emanated powerful magnetism, although in everyday life he was timid and silent. Mental illness prevented the full development of his talent (since 1917 he was under medical supervision).

Nijinska Bronislava Fominichna(1891-1972), Russian dancer and choreographer, sister of Vaslav Nijinsky. She was an artist of Diaghilev's troupe, and from 1921 she was a choreographer. Her productions, modern in theme and choreography, are currently considered classics of ballet art.

Nover Jean Georges(1727-1810), French choreographer and dance theorist. In the famous “Letters on Dance and Ballets” he outlined his views on ballet as an independent performance with a plot and developed action. Nover introduced serious dramatic content into the ballet and established new laws of stage action. Unofficially considered the “father” of modern ballet.

Nureyev Rudolf Khametovich(also Nuriev, 1938-1993), dancer. After graduating from the Leningrad Choreographic School, he became the leading soloist of the ballet troupe of the Opera and Ballet Theater. CM. Kirov. In 1961, while on tour with the theater in Paris, Nureyev asked to be granted political asylum. In 1962, he performed in the London Royal Ballet's "Giselle" in a duet with Margot Fonteyn. Nureyev and Fonteyn are the most famous ballet couple of the 1960s. In the late 1970s, Nureyev turned to modern dance and acted in films. From 1983 to 1989 he was the director of the Paris Opera ballet troupe.

Pavlova Anna Pavlovna(Matveevna, 1881-1931), one of the greatest ballerinas of the twentieth century. Immediately after graduating from the St. Petersburg Theater School, she made her debut on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater, where her talent quickly received recognition. She became a soloist, and in 1906 she was promoted to the highest rank - the rank of prima ballerina. In the same year, Pavlova connected her life with Baron V.E. Dandre. She participated in performances of Diaghilev's Russian Ballet in Paris and London. Pavlova's last performance in Russia took place in 1913, then she settled in England and toured with her own troupe around the world. An outstanding actress, Pavlova was a lyrical ballerina, distinguished by her musicality and psychological content. Her image is usually associated with the image of the dying swan in the ballet number, which was created especially for Pavlova by Mikhail Fokin, one of her first partners. Pavlova's fame is legendary. Her ascetic service to dance aroused worldwide interest in choreography and gave impetus to the revival of foreign ballet theater.

Perrot Jules(1810-1892), French dancer and choreographer of the Romantic era. He was Maria Taglioni's partner at the Paris Opera. In the mid-1830s he met Carlotta Grisi, for whom he staged (together with Jean Coralli) the ballet Giselle, the most famous of the romantic ballets.

Petit Roland(b. 1924), French choreographer. He headed several companies, including the Ballet of Paris, the Roland Petit Ballet and the National Ballet of Marseille. His performances - both romantic and comedic - always bear the imprint of the author’s bright personality.

Petipa Marius(1818-1910), French artist and choreographer, worked in Russia. The greatest choreographer of the second half of the 19th century, he headed the St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet Company, where he staged over 50 performances that became examples of the style of “grand ballet” that emerged in Russia during this era. It was he who proved that composing ballet music does not in the least degrade the dignity of a serious musician. Collaboration with Tchaikovsky became a source of inspiration for Petipa, from which brilliant works were born, and above all “The Sleeping Beauty,” where he reached the heights of perfection.

Plisetskaya Maya Mikhailovna(b. 1925), an outstanding dancer of the second half of the twentieth century, who went down in the history of ballet with her phenomenal creative longevity. Even before graduating from college, Plisetskaya danced solo roles at the Bolshoi Theater. Very quickly becoming famous, she created a unique style - graphic, distinguished by grace, sharpness and completeness of every gesture and pose, every individual movement and choreographic pattern as a whole. The ballerina has the rare talent of a tragic ballet actress, a phenomenal jump, expressive plasticity and a keen sense of rhythm. Her performing style is characterized by technical virtuosity, expressiveness of her hands and a strong acting temperament. Plisetskaya is the first performer of many roles in the Bolshoi Theater ballets. Since 1942 she has been dancing M. Fokine's miniature "The Dying Swan", which has become a symbol of her unique art.

As a choreographer, Plisetskaya staged ballets by R.K. Shchedrin "Anna Karenina", "The Seagull" and "The Lady with the Dog", playing the main roles in them. She starred in many ballet films, as well as feature films as a dramatic actress. She has been awarded many international prizes, including the Anna Pavlova Prize, the French orders of Commander and Legion of Honor. She was awarded the title of Doctor of the Sorbonne. Since 1990, he has performed concert programs abroad and conducted master classes. Since 1994, the international competition “Maya” has been held in St. Petersburg, dedicated to the work of Plisetskaya.

Rubinstein Ida Lvovna(1885-1960), Russian dancer. She took part in “Russian Seasons” abroad, then organized her own troupe. She had expressive appearance and plasticity of gesture. Several ballets were specially written for her, including “Bolero” by M. Ravel.

Salle Marie(1707-1756), French ballerina, performed at the Paris Opera. Rival Marie Camargo. Her dancing style, graceful and full of feeling, differed from Camargo’s technical, virtuoso performance.

Semenova Marina Timofeevna(1908-1998), dancer, teacher. Semyonova’s contribution to the history of Russian ballet theater is extremely great: it was she who made a breakthrough into the unexplored areas of classical ballet. The almost superhuman energy of her movements gave her dance a new dimension and pushed the limits of virtuosic technique. At the same time, she was feminine in every movement, every gesture. Her roles amazed with artistic brilliance, drama and depth.

Spesivtseva Olga Aleksandrovna(1895-1991), Russian dancer. She worked at the Mariinsky Theater and Diaghilev's Russian Ballet. Spesivtseva's dance was distinguished by its sharp graphic poses, perfect lines, and airy lightness. Her heroines, far from the real world, were noted for their exquisite, fragile beauty and spirituality. Her gift was most fully demonstrated in the role of Giselle. The part was built on contrasts and was fundamentally different from the performance of this image by the largest ballerinas of that time. Spesivtseva was the last ballerina of the traditional romantic style. In 1937, she left the stage due to illness.

Taglioni Maria(1804-1884), representative of the Italian ballet dynasty of the 19th century. Under the guidance of her father, Filippo, she studied dance, although her physical characteristics did not quite suit her chosen profession: her arms seemed too long, and some argued that she was stooped. Maria first performed at the Paris Opera in 1827, but achieved success in 1832, when she performed the main role in the ballet La Sylphide staged by her father, which later became a symbol of Taglioni and all romantic ballet. Before Maria Taglioni, pretty ballerinas captivated audiences with their virtuosic dance technique and feminine charm. Taglioni, by no means a beauty, created a new type of ballerina - spiritual and mysterious. In "La Sylphide" she embodied the image of an unearthly creature personifying an ideal, an unattainable dream of beauty. In a flowing white dress, soaring in light leaps and freezing on her fingertips, Taglioni became the first ballerina to use pointe shoes and make them an integral part of classical ballet. All the capitals of Europe admired her. In her old age, Maria Taglioni, lonely and impoverished, taught dance and good manners to the children of London nobles.

Tallchief Maria(b. 1925), outstanding American ballerina. She performed mainly in troupes headed by J. Balanchine. In 1980 she founded the Chicago City Ballet troupe, which she led throughout the years of its existence - until 1987.

Ulanova Galina Sergeevna(1910-1998), Russian ballerina. Her work was characterized by a rare harmony of all means of expression. She imparted spirituality to even a simple, everyday movement. Even at the very beginning of Ulanova’s creative career, critics wrote about the complete unity in her performance of dance technique, dramatic acting and plasticity. Galina Sergeevna performed the main roles in ballets of the traditional repertoire. Her highest achievements were the roles of Mary in The Fountain of Bakhchisarai and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.

Fokin Mikhail Mikhailovich(1880-1942), Russian choreographer and dancer. Overcoming ballet traditions, Fokine sought to get away from the generally accepted ballet costume, stereotypical gestures and routine construction of ballet numbers. He saw ballet technique not as a goal, but as a means of expression. In 1909, Diaghilev invited Fokine to become the choreographer of the Russian Season in Paris. The result of this union was world fame, which accompanied Fokin until the end of his days. He staged more than 70 ballets in the best theaters in Europe and America. Fokine's productions are continued to this day by the world's leading ballet companies.

Fontaine Margot(1919-1991), English prima ballerina, one of the most famous dancers of the twentieth century. She started studying ballet at the age of five. She made her debut in 1934 and quickly attracted attention. Fontaine's performance as Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty made her famous throughout the world. In 1962, Fontaine began a successful partnership with R.H. Nureyev. The performances of this couple became a real triumph of ballet art. Since 1954, Fontaine has been president of the Royal Academy of Dance. Awarded the Order of the British Empire.

Cecchetti Enrico(1850-1928), Italian dancer and outstanding teacher. He developed his own pedagogical method, in which he sought the maximum development of dance technique. He taught at the St. Petersburg Theater School. Among his students were Anna Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina, Mikhail Fokin, Vaslav Nijinsky. His teaching method is outlined in the work “Textbook on the Theory and Practice of Classical Theater Dance.”

Elsler Fanny(1810-1884), Austrian ballerina of the Romantic era. A rival of Taglioni, she had a dramatic, passionate temperament and was a superb actress.

Finally, I would like to quote the words of our outstanding ballerina Maya Plisetskaya, which she said in one of her interviews: “I think that ballet is an art with a great and exciting future. It will certainly live, seek, develop. It will certainly change. But how exactly, in what way?” which direction he will go, it is difficult to predict with complete accuracy. I don’t know. I know one thing: all of us - both performers and choreographers - need to work very hard, seriously, without sparing ourselves. People, their faith in art, their devotion to the theater can do miracles. And what these “miracles” of the ballet of the future will turn out to be will be decided by life itself.”