Vaslav Nijinsky is one of the most legendary figures in the history of ballet. Known for his extraordinary technique, gravity-defying leaps, and expressive performances, Nijinsky revolutionized classical dance in the early 20th century. He was a principal dancer with the Ballets Russes, a company that transformed ballet into a modern art form.
Despite his short career, Nijinsky’s influence on ballet remains profound. This topic explores what made him famous, his contributions to dance, and his lasting legacy.
1. Early Life and Training
a) A Born Dancer
Vaslav Nijinsky was born in 1890 in Kyiv, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire. His parents were both professional dancers, which exposed him to ballet from a young age.
b) Training at the Imperial Ballet School
At age 9, he joined the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg, one of the most prestigious dance academies in the world. Nijinsky’s natural talent quickly set him apart. He had:
- Incredible strength and flexibility
- Unmatched ability to jump and stay in the air longer than others
- Deep emotional expression in performances
His exceptional abilities led to his rapid rise in the ballet world.
2. Nijinsky and the Ballets Russes
a) Joining Sergei Diaghilev’s Company
In 1909, Nijinsky joined Ballets Russes, a groundbreaking ballet company founded by Sergei Diaghilev. This company introduced new, innovative ballet productions to European audiences.
b) The Revolutionary Performances
Under Diaghilev’s direction, Nijinsky performed in some of the most famous ballets of the early 20th century, including:
- Les Sylphides – A romantic ballet that showcased Nijinsky’s ethereal movements.
- The Firebird – Though he did not originate the role, he was involved in this legendary production.
- Scheherazade – A dramatic and sensual ballet where Nijinsky played the passionate Golden Slave, shocking audiences with his intensity.
These performances cemented Nijinsky’s reputation as a ballet superstar.
3. Nijinsky’s Groundbreaking Choreography
a) Moving Beyond Traditional Ballet
While Nijinsky was an incredible dancer, he also became a choreographer. His works broke away from traditional ballet and introduced modern, expressive movements.
b) The Most Famous Ballets He Choreographed
- L’Aprà¨s-midi d’un Faune (1912)
- Inspired by Greek art and mythology.
- Featured angular, two-dimensional movements, unlike classical ballet.
- Controversial for its sensual ending, shocking many audiences.
- Le Sacre du Printemps (1913)
- Also known as The Rite of Spring.
- Set to Igor Stravinsky’s powerful and dissonant music.
- Featured stomping, jerky, and primitive dance moves.
- The premiere caused a riot due to its radical departure from traditional ballet.
These ballets revolutionized dance and inspired future choreographers to explore modern movement and abstract storytelling.
4. Nijinsky’s Unique Dancing Style
a) The Gravity-Defying Jumps
One of the most famous aspects of Nijinsky’s dancing was his unbelievable leaps. Audiences claimed he could ‘float’ in the air longer than any other dancer.
b) Expressive Acting in Dance
Unlike many ballet dancers of his time, Nijinsky brought deep emotion to his performances. His ability to convey passion, intensity, and vulnerability made his roles unforgettable.
c) Breaking Gender Norms in Ballet
Traditionally, male ballet dancers had a supporting role to ballerinas. Nijinsky changed this by becoming the main attraction, proving that male dancers could be just as captivating as their female counterparts.
5. Decline and Tragic End
a) Falling Out with Diaghilev
Nijinsky’s relationship with Sergei Diaghilev was both professional and personal. However, after Nijinsky married Romola de Pulszky in 1913, Diaghilev dismissed him from the Ballets Russes.
b) Struggles During World War I
When World War I broke out, Nijinsky was in Hungary, where he was placed under house arrest because he was a Russian citizen. This disrupted his career.
c) Struggles with Mental Illness
By the 1920s, Nijinsky began showing signs of schizophrenia. His mental illness worsened, and he spent most of his life in and out of mental institutions.
d) Final Years and Death
Nijinsky never danced again after 1919. He spent the rest of his life in seclusion and treatment before passing away in 1950.
6. Nijinsky’s Lasting Legacy
a) Revolutionizing Ballet and Dance
Although his career was short, Nijinsky changed the way people saw ballet. His innovations in movement, emotion, and choreography continue to inspire dancers today.
b) Influence on Modern Choreographers
His ballets, especially Le Sacre du Printemps, influenced modern dance pioneers like Martha Graham, Pina Bausch, and Merce Cunningham.
c) Films, Books, and Tributes
- Several biographies and documentaries have been made about his life.
- His diaries, published posthumously, provide insight into his mind and struggles.
- The Nijinsky Prize, named after him, is awarded for excellence in dance.
Vaslav Nijinsky was known for his incredible dancing abilities, groundbreaking choreography, and emotional depth in performance. His work with the Ballets Russes and his revolutionary ballets changed the world of dance forever.
Despite his tragic decline, Nijinsky’s legacy lives on as one of the most influential figures in ballet history. His performances and innovations continue to inspire dancers and choreographers around the world, securing his place as a true legend of the art form.
