Nureyev: An Autobiography with Pictures

by Rudolph Nureyev, Alexander Bland (Introduction), Richard Avedon (Photographer)

Nureyev rose to international fame with the Kirov Ballet Company and gained additional recognition when he defected in 1961. His autobiography is a thrilling account of how he realized his ambition, made his way in the world, and rose to be the outstanding male dancer of his generation. This book has become an increasingly scarce item that intersects art and politics, ballet and the Cold War. Rudolf Nureyev was one of the great dancers of the 20th century. He was noted for his dramatic stage presence, passion and sensuality. His talent helped to renew audiences'interest in male dancers and inspired boys to study ballet. In 1958, Nureyev joined the Kirov Ballet. During the company's first tour to Paris in 1961, he became the first Soviet dancer to defect during a confrontation between KGB agents and the French police at Le Bourget Airport. Almost immediately, Nureyev was in demand as a guest artist. In 1962, he danced with the ballerina Margot Fonteyn, beginning one of the most successful partnerships in the history of ballet. Nureyev worked with many of his generation's leading choreographers, including Frederick Ashton, Maurice B éjart and George Balanchine . He was also one of the first ballet stars to work with modern dance choreographers such as Martha Graham and Paul Taylor.

160 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2000