Erik Bruhn Rank
About Erik Bruhn
For the Danish choreographer, dancing was music that played forever. The world was his stage and he glided through it till the very end. He was what his 20th century admirers called danseur noble by virtue of his noble and flawless movements. One of his most impressive performances was in the romantic ballet “Giselle.” In 1967, he became the director of ballet at the Royal Swedish Opera House until his tenure ended in 1972.
Early Life
Born Belton Evers in 1928 in Copenhagen, Denmark, he trained as a dancer at the Royal Danish Ballet from the age of 9. After a stage performance at the Royal Opera house in the mid-1940s, he joined the company at age 18.
Career
While on leave from the company, he joined England’s Metropolitan Ballet during which he met Sonia, the lady who would become his dance partner. In 1961, he parted ways with the Royal Danish Ballet and joined the American Ballet Theater. He also danced with companies such as the Royal Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet.
1951 saw a pivotal point in his career. Two significant things happened; he got his debut role as Abrechr in the romantic ballet “Giselle” and he partnered with British ballerina Alicia Markova in a matinee held at Ballet Theater in New York. The duo performed so remarkably well that they earned the praise of critic John Martin.
He retired in 1972.
Associations and Highlights
During his career, he built professional relationships with such ballet companies as the New York City Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada. He rose to international acclaim after featuring in ballets such as “La Sylphide” and “Swan Lake”. Some of his other major roles came in “Hans Christian Anderson,” “Miss Julie,” “The Bell Telephone Hour” and “The Moor’s Pavane.”
Recognition
The Nijinsky Prize in Paris, 1963
In 1987, he was posthumously honoured for his efforts in the advancement of culture in Canada.
A plaque erected by Heritage Toronto in his honor in 2014
Personal Life
He met Tatar dancer Rudolf Nureyev in 1961. They grew very close and each fell in love with the other. Though he shared quite a tumultuous relationship with Rudolf, he remained with him until his death at the Toronto General Hospital in 1986, aged 57.
Did you know?
In his will, he dedicated part of his estate to the funding of the Erik Bruhn Prize, a TV show that showcased the talents of young and upcoming dancers.
He also choreographed and organised ballets for the Roman Opera Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada.
Erik Bruhn Rank
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F.A.Q. about Erik Bruhn
When is his birthday?
Erik Bruhn's birthday is on October 3, 1928.
In how many days is his birthday?
Eric's birthday is in 163 days
How old was Eric when he died?
He was 57 years old.
When did he die?
He died in April 1, 1986.
How old would he be today?
Erik Bruhn would be 95 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Eric from?
He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark.