Erik Bruhn

Date of Birth: October 3, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 1, 1986

Biography

Erik Bruhn, born Erik Belton Evers Bruhn, was a celebrated Danish ballet dancer, choreographer, and artistic director. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, he displayed an early talent for dance and joined the Royal Danish Ballet School at the age of nine. Bruhn’s professional debut came at the young age of 18 when he performed in “La Sylphide.” His extraordinary technique and expressive artistry quickly earned him international acclaim, particularly for his performances in classical ballets such as “Giselle” and “Swan Lake.” Bruhn was also renowned for his partnerships with some of the greatest ballerinas of his time, including Margot Fonteyn and Maria Tallchief. In addition to performing, he contributed significantly to the world of ballet through his work as a choreographer and artistic director, notably with the National Ballet of Canada. Erik Bruhn’s legacy continues to influence dancers and choreographers around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Erik Bruhn

1. Erik Bruhn was the first male dancer to join the American Ballet Theatre in 1955, setting a precedent for future international dancers.

2. He was awarded the prestigious Nijinsky Prize in 1961, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to ballet.

3. Bruhn served as the artistic director for the National Ballet of Canada from 1983 until his death in 1986.

4. He authored an autobiography titled “Beyond Technique,” which offers insights into his philosophy on dance and artistry.

5. Erik Bruhn had a lifelong partnership, both professionally and personally, with ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Erik Bruhn

1. “You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive.”

2. “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”

3. “Technique without passion is a body without a soul.”

4. “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”

5. “In ballet, the art is in constant movement, in the flow of one movement into another, where each movement becomes part of the whole.”