Rudolph Nureyev facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rudolf Nureyev
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Rudolf Nureyev in 1973 by Allan Warren
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| Born |
Rudolf Khametovich Nureyev
17 March 1938 |
| Died | 6 January 1993 (aged 54) |
| Cause of death | AIDS |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Citizenship | Austrian |
| Alma mater | Kirov Ballet School |
| Occupation | Ballet dancer, choreographer |
| Years active | 1958–1992 |
| Partner(s) | Erik Bruhn (1961–1986, his death) |
Rudolf Khametovich Nureyev (born March 17, 1938 – died January 6, 1993) was a famous Russian ballet dancer. He is known as one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century. Rudolf Nureyev was also a choreographer, which means he created dance routines. Later in his life, he even tried conducting music for performances.
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Early Life and Training
Rudolf Nureyev was born near Irkutsk, in Siberia, which is a cold region in the USSR. He began his ballet training at a young age. He studied at the Kirov Ballet School, which was a very famous dance school. His talent was clear from the start.
A Daring Choice: Defection
In 1961, Rudolf Nureyev made a very brave decision. While on tour in Paris, he chose to stay in the West. This was called "defection" from the Soviet Union. The KGB, which was the Soviet secret police, tried to stop him. But Nureyev managed to gain freedom and continue his dance career. This event made headlines around the world.
Partnership with Margot Fonteyn
After moving to the West, Nureyev became a global star. For many years, he danced with Dame Margot Fonteyn. She was a very famous British ballerina. Their performances together were legendary. People loved watching them dance because they had amazing chemistry on stage. They performed in many classic ballets.
A Wide Range of Dance Roles
Rudolf Nureyev had a huge collection of dances he could perform. He knew all the classic ballet roles. He also performed many modern dance pieces. His style was very powerful and expressive. He brought new energy to male ballet dancing. He showed that male dancers could be just as important as female dancers.
Director and Choreographer
Nureyev did more than just dance. He was also a director and a choreographer.
- From 1974 to 1975, he directed and danced in a show called Nureyev and Friends on Broadway in New York.
- From 1983 to 1989, he was the artistic director of the Paris Opera House. This is a very important role in the ballet world.
He helped young dancers, like Sylvie Guillem, become famous. He also asked other artists to create new ballets.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Rudolf Nureyev explored new interests. He started to learn about conducting orchestras for ballet performances. He continued to be involved in the dance world until his death. Rudolf Nureyev passed away on January 6, 1993, after a long illness. He left behind an incredible legacy. He changed the world of ballet forever. His passion and talent continue to inspire dancers today.
Images for kids
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Rudolf Nureyev after his defection from the Soviet Union in 1961.
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Nureyev with Liliana Cosi in Rome, 1972.
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Margot Fonteyn, Fred Astaire and Nureyev from a 1965 appearance on the U.S. television show The Hollywood Palace.
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Nureyev's tomb in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois
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1997 Russian postal cover honoring Nureyev
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Nureyev coaching Devon Carney in his production of Don Quixote.
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Nureyev in 1968, aged 30
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Poster of the 2012 Russian documentary film about Nureyev, Rudolf Nureyev: Rebellious Demon
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See also
In Spanish: Rudolf Nuréyev para niños
