The Mariinsky Theatre mourns the passing of the legendary choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, who died today at the age of 98. With his departure, an entire era in the history of ballet draws to a close. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this time of profound sorrow.
A People’s Artist of the USSR, Hero of Socialist Labour and recipient of the Lenin Prize, State Prizes of both the USSR and the Russian Federation, as well as the Order of Lenin, the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” (1st, 2nd and 3rd Class) and many other distinctions, Yuri Grigorovich shaped the course of ballet history – first in the Soviet Union and later in Russia – with his own hands.
His artistic journey began in St Petersburg, within the walls of the Kirov (now Mariinsky) Theatre. After graduating from Leningrad Choreographic School in 1946, he joined the company as a dancer, soon rising to become a soloist. From 1961 to 1964 he served as a choreographer for the Mariinsky Theatre.
It was on this very stage that Grigorovich directed his first ballets – The Stone Flower (1957) and The Legend of Love (1961). To this day both productions remain in the repertoire, continuing to move audiences and captivate full houses. For the dancers performing in these works remains a cherished privilege and a profound artistic joy.
Later, as Chief Choreographer and Artistic Director of the Ballet Company at the Bolshoi Theatre, Grigorovich created many more landmark productions and mentored several generations of extraordinary dancers. Ever forward-looking and attuned to the spirit of the times, he crafted works that now form part of the golden canon of ballet. However long ago they were created, his productions astonish with their artistic vitality and relevance.
As long as Yuri Grigorovich’s legacy lives on, so too will his memory – imperishable in the hearts of all who treasure the art of ballet.
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