Who Is Rudolf Nureyev? Age, Biography and Wiki
Rudolf Nureyev was born on March 17, 1938, in Irkutsk, Russia. He became one of the most celebrated ballet dancers of the 20th century and is remembered for defying the norms of his time. His revolutionary techniques and dramatic performances infused new life into classical ballet, and his daring defection from the Soviet Union in 1961 further cemented his legacy. Nureyev passed away on January 6, 1993, but his influence continues to resonate in the dance world.
| Occupation | Choreographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 17, 1938 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Near Lake Baikal, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 6 January, 1993 |
| Died Place | Levallois-Perret, France |
Popularity
Rudolf Nureyev's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Rudolf Nureyev's precise height and weight are not widely documented, he was known to have an athletic build typical of leading male dancers. His dedication to maintaining an exceptional physique allowed him to perform complex choreography with grace and power.
- Height: Approx. 5'9" (175 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 155 lbs (70 kg)
Most ballerinas with whom Nureyev danced, including Antoinette Sibley, Cynthia Gregory, Gelsey Kirkland and Annette Page, paid tribute to him as a considerate partner. He was known as extremely generous to many ballerinas, who credit him with helping them during difficult times.
In particular, the Canadian ballerina Lynn Seymour – distressed when she was denied the opportunity to premiere MacMillan's Romeo and Juliet – says that Nureyev often found projects for her even when she was suffering from weight problems and depression and thus had trouble finding roles.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Despite living a public life as a dancer, Nureyev kept aspects of his personal life private. He was known to have relationships with several prominent men in the arts, yet there is no comprehensive record of a long-term boyfriend or spouse. His close relationships often reflected the intense passion and commitment he brought to his craft.
Nureyev's grandfather, Nurakhmet Fazlievich Fazliev, and his father, Khamit Fazleevich Nureyev (1903–1985), were from Asanovo in the Sharipov volost of the Ufa District of the Ufa Governorate (now the Ufa District of the Republic of Bashkortostan).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1993, Rudolf Nureyev's estimated net worth was around $25 million. His earnings primarily came from his performances, choreographies, and later, his work as a director for ballet companies around the world. Due to his status as a ballet superstar, he received substantial salaries for performances and productions.
Career, Business and Investments
Nureyev's career began in the Kirov Ballet but skyrocketed after his defection, which allowed him to perform with various renowned ballet companies, such as the Royal Ballet in London and American Ballet Theatre. He not only danced but also began choreographing various productions, which showcased his innovative ideas and vision for ballet. Apart from his artistic endeavors, Nureyev also became involved in charitable foundations focused on the arts.
He began his career in Leningrad with the company that in the Soviet era was called the Kirov Ballet (now called by its original name, the Mariinsky Ballet). In 1961 he defected to the West, despite KGB efforts to stop him. This was the first defection of a Soviet artist during the Cold War, and it created an international sensation.
Social Network
Though social media as we know it today did not exist during Nureyev's life, his legacy continues to inspire artists and dance enthusiasts alike. His contributions are celebrated across various platforms dedicated to performing arts, and many dance companies continue to highlight his work, keeping his spirit alive in the digital age.
Since his death in 1993, the Paris Opera has instituted a tradition of presenting an evening of dance homage to Nureyev every 10 years. Peers of Nureyev who speak about and remember him, like Mikhail Baryshnikov, are often deeply touched.
Education
Rudolf Nureyev's education in ballet began at an early age in his homeland and was further refined at the Vaganova Academy in Leningrad (Saint Petersburg). This training laid the foundation for his technical skills and artistic expression, enabling him to become one of the greatest ballet dancers in history.
In March 1992, living with advanced AIDS, he visited Kazan and appeared as a conductor in front of the audience at Musa Cälil Tatar Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, which now presents the Rudolf Nureyev Festival in Tatarstan.
Returning to Paris, with a high fever, he was admitted to the hospital Notre Dame du Perpétuel Secours in Levallois-Perret, a suburb northwest of Paris, and was operated on for pericarditis, an inflammation of the membranous sac around the heart.
At that time, what inspired him to fight his illness was the hope that he could fulfill an invitation to conduct Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet at an American Ballet Theatre benefit on 6 May 1992 at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. He did so and was elated at the reception.
