Yuri Grigorovich, Icon of Soviet Ballet, Passes Away at 98

Renowned Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich has passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of dance.

Yuri Grigorovich, the iconic Russian ballet choreographer, has died at the age of 98. A revered figure celebrated as one of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century, Grigorovich served as the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 until 1995. He led the company with unwavering authority, profoundly impacting the art form. His celebrated works, including "The Stone Flower," "Ivan the Terrible," and "Romeo and Juliet," redefined Soviet ballet, bringing new life and complexity to the narratives expressed through dance.

Revitalizing the male dancer's role, Grigorovich's choreography demanded remarkable strength and exquisite artistry. Born in 1927, shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution, he was steeped in classical ballet traditions, with his uncle Georgy Rozai being a student of the legendary Vaslav Nijinsky. Grigorovich began his career as a soloist with the Kirov Ballet before transitioning to choreography.

His departure from the Bolshoi in 1995 followed contentious disputes over contracts, culminating in the theater's first-ever dancers' strike in its long history when a dancer announced a canceled performance to a stunned audience. "The Stone Flower" remains his most celebrated work, complemented by Sergei Prokofiev's enchanting score, steeped in Russian folklore.

Post-Soviet Union, the Bolshoi Ballet faced tumult, prompting Grigorovich to establish a new company in Krasnodar. He returned to the Bolshoi in 2008 as a choreographer and ballet master. Over his illustrious career, he received numerous accolades, including the prestigious titles of People's Artist of the USSR and Hero of Socialist Labour. Grigorovich's departure arrived on the same day as his renowned collaborator, dancer Yuri Vladimirov, who passed away at age 83. Valery Gergiev, head of both the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, remarked on Grigorovich’s legendary status, affirming that his influence will echo in the ballet world for generations to come.