2 3 Throwback Thursday and Erik Bruhn | Ballet Webb

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Throwback Thursday and Erik Bruhn


Throwback Thursday and Erik Bruhn

Erik Bruhn is regarded as one of the world’s greatest classical dancers. He was born in Denmark on October 3, 1928, and his name then was Belton Evers.

He trained with the Royal Danish Ballet School, and joined the company in 1947. In two years he was promoted to soloist, but soon took a leave of absence to dance with American Ballet Theatre. Although he returned to the Royal Danish Ballet, he continued to dance with ABT (1955-1958; 1960-1961; 1968-1969). He also performed with New York City Ballet, the Royal Ballet, the Australian Ballet, the Royal Swedish Ballet, and the Paris Opera Ballet.

He had a legendary partnership with ballerina Carla Fracci, and was known not only for his technical virtuosity, but also for his artistic portrayals. According to an article in the New York Times: “He was one of the few dancers who could bring the house down simply by executing a series of entrechats as James in ''La Sylphide.'' The steps, no matter how brilliantly executed, were always part of a deeper concept, part of a characterization.”

Following his performing career he was appointed director of ballet at the Royal Swedish Opera House in 1967, and later he worked as assistant director and then director of Canada’s National Ballet.

Erik Bruhn died in Toronto on April 1, 1986 of lung cancer.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Dance History Factoid #68:  
“Erik Bruhn was called the “Epitome of the Danseur Noble” by the New York Times.”

                Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
“Dance every performance as if it were your last.”
-          Erik Bruhn

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Want to know more about me?  Here is my interview on Ballet Connections:


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