Yuri Grigorovich, one of the leading figures in ballet, has passed away at the age of 98, marking the end of a remarkable era in the world of dance. Renowned for his innovative contributions, he served as the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 to 1995, a period during which he reshaped Soviet ballet with productions such as "Ivan the Terrible," "The Stone Flower," and "Romeo and Juliet."
His approach was noted for emphasizing male dancers, creating roles that required extraordinary strength and technical skill. Born in 1927 against the backdrop of the Bolshevik Revolution, Grigorovich was steeped in the rich traditions of classical ballet. His uncle, Georgy Rozai, was a student of the legendary Vaslav Nijinsky, which further influenced Grigorovich's illustrious career.
Before he became a choreographer, Grigorovich showcased his talent as a soloist with the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad. However, his tenure at the Bolshoi ended in 1995 amidst significant disputes over contractual issues, leading to a historic dancers' strike, the first in the theatre's 200-year history. During a planned performance, a dancer surprised the audience by announcing a cancellation, highlighting the tension surrounding Grigorovich's departure.
His signature work, "The Stone Flower," is famed for its blend of classical ballet with Russian folk tales, set to music by Sergei Prokofiev. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Grigorovich established a new ballet company in Krasnodar and eventually returned to the Bolshoi as a choreographer in 2008.
Throughout his life, Grigorovich received multiple prestigious awards, including the title of People's Artist of the USSR. His late wife, distinguished ballerina Natalia Bessmertnova, passed away in 2008. Notably, his death coincided with the passing of acclaimed dancer Yuri Vladimirov, aged 83.
Valery Gergiev, prominent head of both the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, expressed heartfelt sentiments in a tribute, calling Grigorovich "a legendary figure" whose influence will endure for generations to come.
