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, 8 x 10 inch silver-print photograph by J. L. Vartoogian. Double-weight fiber photograph on textured card stock with photographer credit (Vartoogian) stamping on verso. Circa 1975.

In very good condition with 3 previous binding holes.

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.