Vaslav Fomich Nijinsky

Born:

12 March 1889 (O.S. 28 February) in Kiev, Russian Empire (present-day Ukraine)

Died:

8 April 1950 in London, England

Nationality:

Russian

Profession(s):

Ballet Dancer, Choreographer

Early Life and Education

• Born into a family of Polish dancers.
• Entered the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg at the age of ten.
• Studied under Enrico Cecchetti, Nikolai Legat, and Pavel Gerdt.

Career and Major Achievements

• Joined the Mariinsky Theatre in 1907, becoming a soloist in 1909.
• Joined Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in Paris, achieving international fame.
• Renowned for his extraordinary technique and expressive interpretations.
• Revolutionized male ballet dancing with his athleticism and portrayal of complex emotions.
• Began choreographing in 1912.
• Notable collaborators include Igor Stravinsky and Claude Debussy.

Notable Works

• L'Après-midi d'un faune (The Afternoon of a Faun) (1912) - his controversial choreographic debut.
• Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring) (1913) - a groundbreaking but initially poorly received ballet.
• Jeux (1913) - a ballet with music by Claude Debussy.
• Till Eulenspiegel (1916) - a ballet based on the German folk tale.

Vaslav Nijinsky's creation of nijinsky afternoon of a faun shocked and inspired audiences, showcasing his innovative choreography and challenging traditional ballet conventions.

Legacy and Impact

• Considered one of the greatest male dancers of the 20th century.
• His choreography, though limited in quantity, remains highly influential.
• His innovative approach to movement and narrative paved the way for modern ballet.
• Suffered from schizophrenia, leading to a premature end to his performing career.
• His diaries provide valuable insight into his creative process and mental state.

Filmography

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