Vaslav Fomich Nijinsky
born: 1889died: 1950
Russian. Started studying at the Imperial Ballet School, St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet, 1908.
Danced with the Ballets Russes from 1911-1913 and from 1916-1917. Settled in Switzerland where he suffered a mental illness from which he never recovered. During his nine year ballet career a legend was made.
Often considered the greatest male dancer in the history of ballet. Danced many different roles including the title role in Schéhérazade. Choreographer of several ballets including The Rite of Spring. Has been the subject of two biographies, one by his wife, Romola. He is the author of The Diary of Vaslav Nijinsky.
