serge lifar

1905-1986
Russian-French dancer and choreographer of exceptional stage presence, who revitalized the Paris Opéra Ballet and was the primary figure of modern French ballet.

Born in Kyiv, Lifar was premier danseur in the ballet company of the Russian impresario Sergei Diaghilev before becoming director of the Paris Opéra Ballet in 1929. Conveying drama through choreography rather than through mime or music, he created more than 50 ballets on themes from myth, legend, and history and used male dancers in dominant rather than supporting roles.

Lifar choreographed his famous experimental ballet, Icare (1935), without music, and added only a percussive score later to fit the dance. His other ballets include Promethée (1929) and Phèdre (1950).

nearby

ballets russes

Picture: Le Spectre de la Rose, 1932, Paris