Theater sets final performance schedule
Sayin' Goodbye to Ballet Legend Yuri Grigorovich on May 23
Prepare for a poignant farewell on May 23, as we bid adieu to the iconic ballet artist Yuri Grigorovich at the historic Bolshoi Theater. Mark your calendars, but remember, the ceremony kicks off at 11:00 Moscow time! Bolt right in at 10:00 for a free entrance, as per the theater's director Denis Rodkin's announcement.
In the evening of the same day, at 19:00 Moscow time, you'll have the chance to witness a moving performance of the ballet "Legend of Love," specifically dedicated to Grigorovich's memory.
Famed choreographer and artist Grigorovich left us on May 19, at the grand old age of 98. His primary artistic hub was none other than the Bolshoi Theater, where he crafted masterpieces like "The Stone Flower," "Ivan the Terrible" by Sergei Prokofiev, and his rendition of "The Nutcracker" by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Not just that, Grigorovich also revitalized classic world-famous ballets with his innovative interpretations.
The Bolshoi has lauded Grigorovich for leading the ballet troupe for an impressive 30 years, from 1964 to 1995. As the theater put it, he nurtured several generations of top-notch artists. Interestingly, his first productions took place at the Mariinsky Theater, and his departure was referred to as "the end of an era."
Yuri Grigorovich: A Revolutionary in Ballet
Grigorovich carved a niche for himself as a transformative force in the world of ballet. Throughout his prolific career, he brought forth several groundbreaking choreographic works, here's a brief glimpse at some of his most celebrated pieces:
- The Stone Flower (1957): This ballet marked a revolutionary moment in his career and is often considered his signature work.
- The Legend of Love (1961): Choreographed during his time at the Kirov Ballet, it displayed Grigorovich's talent for creating emotionally resonant ballets.
- Spartacus (1968): This ballet is well-known for its dramatic and energetic choreography, emphasizing powerful male dancing.
- Ivan the Terrible (1975): A powerful, gripping ballet that earned Grigorovich critical acclaim.
- The Nutcracker (1966): Grigorovich's acclaimed production of this classic ballet at the Bolshoi.
Beyond these iconic works, Grigorovich also reimagined beloved ballets like Swan Lake, Giselle, La Bayadère, Raymonda, Romeo and Juliet, and The Golden Age, all with his distinctive and often daring touch. Grigorovich's enduring impact on ballet will live on through the countless dancers he influenced and the exciting new directions he introduced in Russian ballet.
As a tribute to Yuri Grigorovich's prolific career, an emotional performance of "The Legend of Love" will be presented at the Bolshoi Theater at 19:00 Moscow time on May 23. This ballet, specifically dedicated to Grigorovich's memory, has been one of his most celebrated works throughout his revolutionary journey in ballet entertainment.
