Bolshoi legend Yuri Grigorovich turns 95

 

 

The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow is celebrating Yuri Grigorovich's 95th birthday. 

Grigovorich has a reputation as fabled and decorated as the theatre itself. From 1964 to 1995 he was principal choreographer, and from 1988 artistic director, of the Bolshoi Ballet, presiding over a turbulent chunk of the company's history. He is largely responsible for the huge, dramatic productions of ballets for which the Russians are famous – such as Spartacus, Ivan the Terrible and The Golden Age – while also creating his own versions of Russian classics, many of which are still central to the Bolshoi's repertoire. It was under his direction that the company built its reputation, exciting the world and coming to stand for everything that Russian ballet is known for. Although he resigned amid claims of allowing the company to stagnate, his ties remain strong and he was invited back to choreograph following the death of his wife, ballerina Natalia Bessmertnova, in 2008. 

The Bolshoi's celebration takes the form of a festival of his works, beginning on January 2 (his birth date) and continuing to February 6. 

The many international artists sending him tributes include John Neumeier, Irina Kolpakova and Vladimir Semyonov, Julio Bocca, Natalia Makarova and Jiri Kylian (formerly Netherlands Dance Theatre).

"... You have experienced more dramatic situations in your long life than anyone before you or after you. You have opened the doors between East and West. And I am grateful to you for this. May the thought of this bring you joy in the later days of your life. I kiss you," Kylián wrote.