Yuri Grigorovich, Legendary Choreographer of Soviet Ballet, Passes Away at 98

Yuri Grigorovich, celebrated for his tenure at the Bolshoi and acclaimed productions, has passed away at the age of 98.

Yuri Grigorovich, a towering figure in the world of ballet, has died at the remarkable age of 98. Known as one of the foremost choreographers of the 20th century, he served as the artistic director of the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 to 1995, wielding significant influence over its direction and success during that period.

The late choreographer’s notable works, including "Ivan the Terrible," "Romeo and Juliet," and "The Stone Flower," are credited with transforming the landscape of Soviet ballet. Grigorovich was particularly praised for re-energizing male roles in ballet, creating demanding lead parts that required exceptional physical and artistic prowess.

Born in 1927, shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution, Grigorovich's artistic journey was deeply rooted in classical ballet traditions. His uncle, Georgy Rozai, had been a student of the legendary Vaslav Nijinsky, which undoubtedly shaped Grigorovich's own approach to dance. Starting his career as a soloist with the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad, he eventually shifted his focus to choreography.

His departure from the Bolshoi in 1995 marked a significant moment in its history; it led to the theater’s first-ever dancers' strike, which shocked audiences when a performer emerged during a show to announce its cancellation.

"The Stone Flower," widely recognized as his signature piece, showcased a fusion of folk tales and Prokofiev’s compositions. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Grigorovich faced challenges at the Bolshoi, prompting him to establish a new ballet company in Krasnodar. By 2008, he returned to the Bolshoi, resuming his contributions as a choreographer and ballet master until the end of his life.

Throughout his illustrious career, Grigorovich received numerous accolades, including the title of People's Artist of the USSR and the title of Hero of Socialist Labour. He is survived by the memory of his late wife, legendary ballerina Natalia Bessmertnova, who passed away in 2008.

His death comes as a poignant chapter closes, coinciding with the loss of his esteemed collaborator, dancer Yuri Vladimirov, who also passed away at the age of 83. Valery Gergiev, head of both the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, described Grigorovich as "a legendary figure who will continue to command respect and admiration for decades to come," ensuring that his extraordinary legacy endures in the hearts of ballet enthusiasts worldwide.