Throwback Thursday and Yuri Soloviev
Born on August 10, 1940, Yuri Soloviev was a contemporary of
Baryshnikov and roommate of Rudolf Nureyev during company tours. But he almost
didn’t make it as a ballet dancer due to his stocky physique. The first time he
auditioned for the Vaganova Academy he came close to being rejected. But they
reconsidered.
Soloviev became known for his incredible elevation and amazing
technical prowess. His colleagues at the Kirov even nicknamed him “Cosmonautic
Yuri”. He was unique - not only was he a powerful dancer, he was also lyrical.
These two qualities are seldom seen together, particularly in male dancers. Audiences
loved him, particularly in the pas de deux from Le Corsaire, and in 1965 he won
a gold medal at the Paris International Dance Competition.
Sadly, he died on January 12, 1977. He
was found dead at his dacha of a gunshot wound to the head. It was ruled a
suicide.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Dance History Factoid #87:
“Yuri Soloviev was
a famous dancer with the Kirov Ballet known for his strength and elevation.”
Link of the Day:
Quote
of the Day:
“Each of us is a unique strand in the
intricate web of life and here to make a contribution.”
― Deepak Chopra
― Deepak Chopra
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