Grigorovich's innovative works redefined male roles in ballet and his influence will endure in the world of dance.
Yuri Grigorovich: Renowned Russian Ballet Choreographer Passes Away at 98
Yuri Grigorovich: Renowned Russian Ballet Choreographer Passes Away at 98
Legendary figure of Soviet ballet and former Bolshoi artistic director leaves behind a transformative legacy.
Yuri Grigorovich, the distinguished Russian ballet choreographer, has passed away at the age of 98. Widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century choreography, Grigorovich held the position of artistic director at the Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 until 1995, commanding respect and authority throughout his tenure.
His remarkable productions, such as the Stone Flower, Ivan the Terrible, and Romeo and Juliet, reshaped the landscape of Soviet ballet. Notably, he was lauded for reawakening male participation in the art form, crafting roles that necessitated extraordinary strength and expressive capability. With an inception in the post-Bolshevik period of 1927, Grigorovich absorbed classical ballet traditions early on, influenced by his uncle Georgy Rozai, a student of the iconic Vaslav Nijinsky.
Transitioning from a soloist role with the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad to choreography, his legacy solidified during his years with the Bolshoi. Grigorovich's departure in 1995 was marked by a historic dancers' strike, forcing a public cancellation of a performance that astonished attendees. His most acclaimed piece, The Stone Flower, is renowned for its integration of folk tale motifs and the enchanting compositions of Sergei Prokofiev.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Grigorovich faced challenges alongside the Bolshoi, leading to the establishment of a new ballet company in Krasnodar. However, he returned to the Bolshoi as both choreographer and ballet master in 2008. His extensive accolades included prominent Soviet and Russian honors, particularly the titles of People's Artist of the USSR and Hero of Socialist Labour. Grigorovich's wife, celebrated ballerina Natalia Bessmertnova, passed away in 2008.
Tragically, Grigorovich’s passing coincides with the death of his esteemed collaborator, dancer Yuri Vladimirov, aged 83. Valery Gergiev, current head of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, remarked to Izvestia newspaper that Grigorovich's legendary status will command respect and admiration for generations to come.
His remarkable productions, such as the Stone Flower, Ivan the Terrible, and Romeo and Juliet, reshaped the landscape of Soviet ballet. Notably, he was lauded for reawakening male participation in the art form, crafting roles that necessitated extraordinary strength and expressive capability. With an inception in the post-Bolshevik period of 1927, Grigorovich absorbed classical ballet traditions early on, influenced by his uncle Georgy Rozai, a student of the iconic Vaslav Nijinsky.
Transitioning from a soloist role with the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad to choreography, his legacy solidified during his years with the Bolshoi. Grigorovich's departure in 1995 was marked by a historic dancers' strike, forcing a public cancellation of a performance that astonished attendees. His most acclaimed piece, The Stone Flower, is renowned for its integration of folk tale motifs and the enchanting compositions of Sergei Prokofiev.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Grigorovich faced challenges alongside the Bolshoi, leading to the establishment of a new ballet company in Krasnodar. However, he returned to the Bolshoi as both choreographer and ballet master in 2008. His extensive accolades included prominent Soviet and Russian honors, particularly the titles of People's Artist of the USSR and Hero of Socialist Labour. Grigorovich's wife, celebrated ballerina Natalia Bessmertnova, passed away in 2008.
Tragically, Grigorovich’s passing coincides with the death of his esteemed collaborator, dancer Yuri Vladimirov, aged 83. Valery Gergiev, current head of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, remarked to Izvestia newspaper that Grigorovich's legendary status will command respect and admiration for generations to come.
