Rudolf Nureyev

Nureyev, Rudolf (1938–93), Russian ballet dancer who sought asylum in the West when touring with the Kirov Ballet in 1961. As a guest artist of the Royal Ballet, London, Nureyev was famous as a leading classical and modern dancer and for his partnership with Margot Fonteyn. He also staged several ballets. He was director of the Paris Opéra from 1983 onwards.

See also: Ballet.