Vaslav Nijinsky, a name synonymous with unparalleled talent and revolutionary artistry, remains an iconic figure in the world of ballet. Born in Kiev in 1889 or 1890, this Russian dancer ascended to legendary status, captivating audiences with his breathtaking leaps, profound emotional depth, and groundbreaking choreography. Nijinsky’s career, though tragically short-lived due to mental illness, left an indelible mark on dance history, influencing generations of dancers and choreographers. His innovative spirit and dedication to his craft solidified his place as one of the most celebrated ballet dancers of all time.
From Imperial School to Mariinsky Soloist: The Making of a Star
Born into a family of dancers, Vaslav Nijinsky’s destiny seemed intertwined with the world of ballet from his earliest years. His parents, Thomas and Eleonora Nijinsky, were both accomplished dancers who ran their own dance company. Vaslav, along with his siblings Bronislava and Stanislav, spent his childhood immersed in the nomadic life of touring performers across the Russian Empire. His father, recognizing Vaslav’s innate talent and exceptional physical aptitude for dance, began his formal training.
Vaslav Nijinsky in costume, showcasing his balletic form and grace.
At the age of eight, Nijinsky’s prodigious talent led him to the prestigious Imperial School of Dancing in St. Petersburg in 1898. There, under the tutelage of some of the era’s most distinguished instructors, his skills flourished. Despite being urged to graduate early at 16 due to his exceptional abilities, Nijinsky chose to complete the full course of study, demonstrating his commitment to mastering his art. Even as a student, Nijinsky’s performances at the Mariinsky Theatre, including appearances before the Tsar, garnered him recognition as a phenomenon, often hailed as the “eighth wonder of the world.”
Upon graduating in 1907, Nijinsky immediately joined the Mariinsky Theater as a soloist. His debut in La Source alongside Julia Sedova ignited public and critical acclaim, marking the beginning of his meteoric rise. He partnered with legendary ballerinas such as Mathilde Kschessinskaya, Anna Pavlova, and Tamara Karsavina, quickly establishing himself as a danseur noble of exceptional caliber. Nijinsky commanded leading roles in iconic classical ballets like Giselle, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and Chopiniana, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in Russian ballet. His performances at both the Mariinsky and the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow were met with overwhelming success, cementing his status as a ballet superstar.
Parisian Triumph and Global Adoration: Nijinsky and the Ballets Russes
In 1909, a pivotal moment arrived in Nijinsky’s career when he joined Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. Diaghilev, an influential figure in the art world, brought together a company of exceptional Russian dancers to conquer Paris. Nijinsky became the company’s principal dancer, and their debut performance in Paris on May 17, 1909, was a resounding triumph.
A portrait of Vaslav Nijinsky, capturing his intense gaze and artistic persona.
Parisian audiences were mesmerized by Nijinsky’s performances. Critics and audiences alike lauded his unparalleled physicality – his seemingly weightless leaps, his incredible elevation, and his dramatic expressiveness. He became le dieu de la danse, “the god of dance,” an epithet that captured the public’s adoration and the almost divine quality of his artistry.
Working closely with choreographer Michel Fokine, Nijinsky created some of his most celebrated roles. Fokine crafted ballets specifically to showcase Nijinsky’s unique talents, including Le Carnaval, Les Sylphides, Le Spectre de la rose, Schéhérazade, Petrushka, Le Dieu bleu, Daphnis et Chloé, and Narcisse. These roles demonstrated not only his technical brilliance but also his extraordinary ability to embody diverse characters and convey complex emotions through movement. Nijinsky toured extensively with the Ballets Russes until 1917, captivating audiences across Europe, the United States, and South America, solidifying his global fame as the preeminent male ballet dancer of his era.
Choreographic Innovation and Artistic Vision: Nijinsky’s Bold Steps
Beyond his extraordinary dancing, Nijinsky demonstrated a pioneering spirit in choreography. In 1912, he embarked on a new chapter, creating works for the Ballets Russes that pushed the boundaries of traditional ballet. His choreographic debut, L’Après-midi d’un faune (Afternoon of a Faun), was a revolutionary piece inspired by the poem of Stéphane Mallarmé and set to music by Claude Debussy. The ballet’s stylized, two-dimensional movements and overtly sensual themes shocked and intrigued audiences, marking a radical departure from classical ballet aesthetics.
Nijinsky continued to challenge conventions with Jeux (Games) and Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring). Le Sacre du printemps, with music by Igor Stravinsky, caused a notorious riot at its Paris premiere in 1913. Its dissonant music, primal rhythms, and Nijinsky’s angular, earthbound choreography were unlike anything ballet audiences had seen before. While initially controversial, Le Sacre du printemps is now recognized as a landmark of modernism and a pivotal work in the history of dance. Nijinsky’s foray into choreography, though limited, revealed his avant-garde sensibility and his willingness to break with tradition in pursuit of artistic innovation.
Personal Life and Tragic Decline: The End of an Era
In 1913, Nijinsky married Romola de Pulszky in Buenos Aires. This marriage led to his dismissal from the Ballets Russes by Diaghilev, marking a turning point in his career. During World War I and World War II, Nijinsky faced periods of internment in Hungary due to his Russian nationality.
Tragically, Nijinsky’s career was cut short by mental illness. In 1919, at the young age of 29, he retired from the stage due to a nervous breakdown later diagnosed as schizophrenia. He spent the remaining decades of his life in and out of institutions, living in Switzerland, France, and England. Vaslav Nijinsky passed away in London in 1950, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire awe and admiration. He is buried in Montmartre Cemetery in Paris, near Auguste Vestris, a fitting tribute to his enduring place in ballet history.
Vaslav Nijinsky’s impact on ballet is immeasurable. His virtuosity as a dancer redefined male ballet technique, and his choreographic experiments paved the way for modern dance. Despite the brevity of his career and the tragedy of his later life, Nijinsky remains an enduring symbol of artistic genius and a ballet dancer whose name will forever be etched in the annals of dance history.
