That Time Nureyev Danced on The Ed Sullivan Show

Tensions between Russia and many Western nations were at an all time high from the 1950s to the 1980s. Tales of famous artists and scientists defecting from the USSR would go on to fill the public imagination for decades, fueled in part by stories like that of the immensely talented ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev. But, in his time away from the Soviet Union he captured the hearts of millions with his incredible dancing.

Nureyev was born in Soviet Russia in 1938, and became a solo performer with the most prestigious ballet in the USSR by his early 20s. He famously defected from the USSR in 1961 after refusing to board a plane bound for Russia after having performed in Paris. He remained in Paris and joined the Ballets du Marquis de Cuevas.

He was a guest of the Royal Ballet at Convent Garden in the UK from 1962 until 1977, where he met founding member and prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn, who was to become his dance partner for many years. The two had ballets choreographed especially for them, such was the international ardor for this stunning duo. They traveled the globe and even performed on various variety shows in the US, including The Ed Sullivan Show.

While acts of all kinds were featured on the show, it was not the most common thing to have ballet dancers on. But, these were two of the very best and even folks who wouldn’t normally line up to go to the ballet were intrigued by this captivating performance.

Some have argued that they were as famous as The Beatles during the 1960s. Together they made it seem as though each was artfully floating on the wind, landing each jump and turn with lightness and precision. Perhaps this chemistry on stage is why the two danced together for a whopping 18 years.

Nureyev died at age 54 in Paris and is remembered as a danseur noble, the male equivalent of a prima ballerina. His grave is covered in a rug-like mosaic created by set designer and friend to Nureyev, Ezio Frigerio, who modeled it after the kilim rugs that the dancer was so fond of. Nureyev is buried at the Russian cemetery of Sainte-Genevieve-des-Bois.

Fonteyn preceded him in death by 2 years, having been dancing with the Royal Ballet for 45 years. She was 19 years his senior. She is buried in Panama, but a statue in her memory was erected in her hometown of Reigate, Surrey, England, and a stained glass window was placed in Westminster Abbey in her honor.

From The Ed Sullivan Show archives comes this fantastic performance of a part of Swan Lake by two of the most incredible ballet dancers of all time at the height of their talents. Enjoy!