Erik Bruhn

Erik Bruhn, born on October 3, 1928 in Copenhagen, Denmark, was initially placed in a dance class because he seemed detached from people his age. He was drawn to ballet like a fish to water. He grew obsessed with the sport's accuracy and technique, dancing at Copenhagen's Royal Opera House at the age of eighteen. Though his dancing and hard work were recognized by teachers and critics alike, Bruhn was never able to shake the loneliness that had plagued him since infancy.

Through his career, he departed Denmark and traveled throughout Europe and North America, gaining a growing fan base along the way. He was known as a "dancer's dancer" and was attempting to improve men's roles in ballet. As he worked with multiple production teams, he wanted to give them more emotionally rich parts in future performances.

Despite being regarded as probably the best dancer of his generation, Bruhn was confident in and encouraging of the students who may have gone on to compete with his legacy. Despite the fact that he died in 1986, his tenure as artistic director is highly remembered. The Erik Bruhn Prize, which provides money to aspiring dancers, is one of the most visible aspects of his legacy. This was part of Erik Bruhn's bequest and continues to be an important component of the ballet industry, nurturing fresh talents even after his death.

Born: 1928

Died: 1986

Nationality: Danish