Great Performances

The Magic Of Nureyev

An incredible 89 curtain calls provide an enduring testament to the ballet history that was written at the Vienna State Opera on October 15, 1964. The event was a performance of Swan Lake choreographed by Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev, who also took on the lead male role of the Prince; his partner was the great British prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn. In his novel interpretation of this iconic favorite of classical ballet, Nureyev revolutionized the role of the male dancer, seeking to be Fonteyn's equal counterpart. This fascinating behind the scenes film features extensive excerpts from the legendary production, which was captured for posterity two years after its 1964 stage premiere. In new interviews, dancers Michael Birkmeyer and Gisela Cech, who danced alongside Nureyev at the premiere of Swan Lake, share personal insights on Nureyev's peerless virtuosity as well as his mercurial off-stage personality, while contemporary experts look back at Nureyev groundbreaking technique from a modern-day perspective.