Vaslav Nijinsky

Revolutionized ballet with groundbreaking choreography and expressive techniques

Vaslav Nijinsky (1889–1950) is widely regarded as one of the most innovative dancers and choreographers in the history of ballet. His radical approach to movement and storytelling shattered traditional norms, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern dance. Born in Kiev to Polish parents, Nijinsky joined the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg, where his extraordinary talent quickly propelled him to stardom.

Nijinsky’s collaboration with impresario Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes marked a turning point in 20th-century art. His choreography for works like L’Après-midi d’un Faune (1912) and Le Sacre du Printemps (1913) introduced angular, primal movements that defied classical ballet’s fluidity. The latter, set to Stravinsky’s dissonant score, caused a riot at its Paris premiere due to its avant-garde style and raw depiction of ritual sacrifice.

Nijinsky’s emphasis on psychological depth and symbolic gestures—evident in his diaries—challenged audiences to see dance as a medium for emotional and intellectual exploration. Tragically, his career was cut short by mental illness, but his legacy endures in contemporary choreography. Institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum preserve his costumes, while documentaries and biographies continue to analyze his impact.