Erik Bruhn

Erik Bruhn was a Danish ballet dancer, choreographer, and artistic director who was known for his outstanding classical technique and expressive style. He began his training with the Royal Danish Ballet at the age of nine and joined the company in 1947. He danced with various companies in Europe and America, such as the American Ballet Theatre, the Royal Ballet, the Paris Opera Ballet, and the National Ballet of Canada. He was a frequent partner of Alicia Markova, Maria Tallchief, Carla Fracci, and Rudolf Nureyev, with whom he had a romantic relationship. He also choreographed several ballets, such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, and Napoli. He was the director of the Royal Swedish Ballet from 1967 to 1972 and the National Ballet of Canada from 1983 to 1986. He died of AIDS-related complications in Toronto in 1986. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of ballet and the founder of the Bournonville School and style. He also established the Erik Bruhn Prize, which awards money to young dancers, as part of his will.