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.”
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