Grigorovich was hailed as one of the foremost choreographers of the 20th century, serving as the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 to 1995. His leadership style was characterized by strict discipline, earning him a reputation as a formidable figure in the ballet community. Among his most notable works, productions such as "Ivan the Terrible," "Romeo and Juliet," and "The Stone Flower" challenged traditional norms and significantly redefined the Soviet ballet landscape.
Born in 1927 shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution, Grigorovich was steeped in the rich traditions of classical ballet from a young age. His artistic lineage included his uncle, Georgy Rozai, a student of the legendary Vaslav Nijinsky. Grigorovich initially performed as a soloist with the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad before shifting his focus to choreography.
His tenure at the Bolshoi came to a controversial close in 1995 when disagreements over dancers' contracts precipitated the theatre's first-ever strike in its long history. The unexpected announcement of a cancelled performance stunned attendees who were there to witness that evening's show.
Among the signature pieces attributed to Grigorovich, "The Stone Flower" stands out, featuring lush settings inspired by folk tales set to music by Sergei Prokofiev. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Grigorovich faced challenges at the Bolshoi but eventually founded a new ballet company in Krasnodar. He returned to the Bolshoi in 2008, taking on roles as choreographer and ballet master until his passing.
Throughout his illustrious career, Grigorovich earned numerous accolades, including prestigious Soviet and Russian honors such as the titles of People's Artist of the USSR and Hero of Socialist Labour. His wife, the celebrated ballerina Natalia Bessmertnova, passed away in 2008, adding a poignant chapter to Grigorovich’s life story.
In a coincidental twist, Grigorovich's death was reported on the same day as that of his longtime collaborator, esteemed dancer Yuri Vladimirov, who also passed at the age of 83. Valery Gergiev, a prominent figure within both the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, noted in an interview with Izvestia that Grigorovich's legacy would endure and continue to inspire admiration for generations to come.
