Rudolf Nureyev

Rudolf Khametovich Nureyev (March 17, 1938 –  January 6, 1993), Soviet-born dancer of ballet and modern dance, one of the most celebrated of the 20th century.

Vintage, 7 x 9 inch, matte finish, silver-print photograph by J. L. Vartoogian. Double-weight fiber photograph with photographer credit (Vartoogian) stamping on verso. Circa 1973.

In very good condition.

Nureyev's artistic skills explored expressive areas of the dance, providing a new role to the male ballet dancer who once served only as support to the women. He defected from the Soviet Union to the West in 1961, despite KGB efforts to stop him. He also danced with the American Ballet Theatre, the Chicago Opera Ballet, and the Dutch National Ballet. He served as director of the Paris Opera Ballet from 1983-1989.