The Men Who Defined Ballet
Ballet was dominated by male dancers for its first two centuries — it was only in the Romantic era of the nineteenth century that ballerinas moved to center stage. But throughout history, and especially in the twentieth century, male dancers have produced some of the most extraordinary performances in all of performing arts. These are the dancers every dance parent and student should know.
Mikhail Baryshnikov (born 1948, Soviet Union / USA)
Widely considered the greatest male ballet dancer of the twentieth century, Baryshnikov trained at the Vaganova Academy in Leningrad and became a principal with the Kirov Ballet. He defected to Canada in 1974 while on tour, later becoming Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre and a principal guest artist with New York City Ballet. His technique was extraordinarily precise, his jump phenomenal, and his artistry equally compelling in classical and contemporary work. He appeared in the film The Turning Point (1977) and the television series Sex and the City, bringing ballet to mainstream American audiences.
Rudolf Nureyev (1938–1993, Soviet Union / West)
One of the most charismatic performers in history, Nureyev trained at the Vaganova Academy and became a star of the Kirov Ballet before his 1961 defection to the West — one of the most dramatic events in Cold War cultural history. He became the frequent partner of Margot Fonteyn at the Royal Ballet in London, and their partnership is considered one of the greatest in ballet history. Nureyev later served as Director of the Paris Opéra Ballet. His technical power, expressive intensity, and outsized personality made him ballet’s first male superstar.
Vaslav Nijinsky (1889–1950, Poland / Russia)
Nijinsky is widely regarded as the greatest male dancer who ever lived, though his career lasted less than a decade before severe mental illness ended his performing life. A principal with Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, he was famous for his extraordinary elevation — audiences swore he could hover in the air — and his ability to transform himself entirely into a character. He also choreographed revolutionary works including L’Après-midi d’un faune (1912) and Le Sacre du Printemps (1913), which caused a riot at its premiere.
Carlos Acosta (born 1973, Cuba)
Born in Havana to a poor family, Acosta was sent to the National Ballet School of Cuba and went on to become one of the most celebrated male dancers of his generation. He became the first Black Principal Guest Artist at the Royal Ballet in London, where he performed for two decades. Known for his extraordinary athleticism, dramatic presence, and generosity as a partner, Acosta later returned to Cuba to found Acosta Danza, a contemporary dance company. He was appointed Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2020.
Ivan Nagy (1943–2014, Hungary / USA)
A principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre and later a director of companies in Chile and Birmingham, Nagy was celebrated for his partnering skills and the warmth and musicality of his performances. He was a frequent partner of Cynthia Gregory and Natalia Makarova.
Wayne Sleep (born 1948, UK)
A principal character artist with the Royal Ballet who became one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers, Sleep demonstrated that a ballet career can lead to extraordinary versatility. At 5 feet 2 inches he was considered too short by conventional ballet standards, but his extraordinary speed, elevation, and charm made him indispensable to the Royal Ballet for twenty years. He went on to a distinguished career in musical theatre, television, and his own dance shows.
Roberto Bolle (born 1975, Italy)
One of the most celebrated male dancers of the current era, Bolle is an étoile of La Scala Ballet and a guest principal with American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Ballet. Equally acclaimed for his classical technique and his charismatic stage presence, he has become Italy’s most internationally recognized ballet dancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there fewer famous male ballet dancers than female?
The Romantic era of the 1830s and 1840s shifted the spotlight dramatically onto the ballerina, pushing male dancers into a supporting role that lasted for nearly a century. The twentieth century — particularly through Nijinsky, Nureyev, and Baryshnikov — restored the male dancer to equal status. Today’s leading male dancers are as celebrated as their female counterparts.
Who is the greatest male ballet dancer alive today?
This is hotly debated. Roberto Bolle, Sergei Polunin, David Hallberg, Herman Cornejo, Marcelo Gomes, and Vadim Muntagirov (Royal Ballet) are among those most often cited as the finest male dancers of the current generation.
Do boys who study ballet have the same career opportunities as girls?
Boys who study ballet are highly sought after by professional companies — there are fewer of them relative to female dancers, which means that talented male students have very good career prospects. Male dance students are often offered scholarships and accelerated opportunities precisely because they are rare.