PeterRS Posted 2 hours ago Posted 2 hours ago He was called the greatest male ballet dancer, although this is hotly disputed in the ballet world as many believe his countryman Nijinsky tops that list. The fact is, though, that while no one now alive saw the great Nijinsky dance, many of us had the joy of seeing Rudof Nureyev dance, often with his long-time dance partner Margot Fonteyn who was 19 years his elder. When on stage he commanded it with his extraordinary almost animalistic presence, his amazing leaps and stunning virtuosity. Yet he was at heart always the peasant lad he had been born into in Siberia. Uneducated, uncouth, boastful of his talent and according to many not much fun to be with. Yet he could be incredibly generous. When Fonteyn was diagnosed with cancer, he paid for all her treatment till her death. Graduating to Leningrad's Kirov Ballet aged 20 he quickly became its star. He was silky, mercurial but also gay - very gay. He visited gay bars as regularly as he was seen at gay bathhouses. He did not really care with whom he had sex. It was the sex itself he craved. On a tour to Denmark he met a fellow dancer working for the Royal Danish Ballet. Eric Bruhn was to became the love of his life, one constant in his incedibly hectic career after he defected from the Soviet Union and caused a sensation in 1961. Although the relationship only continued for five years, they remained close friends until Bruhn's death in 1986. There were other lovers and with all Nureyev continued his extra-partnership gay lifestye during their times together. For years Nureyev denied that in 1984 he had been diagnosed with HIV. Even so he continued dancing, continued his gay lifestyle. It was around early 1991 that the effect of AIDS was taking its toll. Yet he continued with a World Tour. He died in January 1993 and is buried in Paris. Rudolf Nureyev, incredible dancer, rebel, gay icon would have celebrated his 88th birthday last week. Quote
