Titan of Russian ballet Yuri Grigorovich dies at 98
BBC NewsTuesday, May 20, 2025 at 9:45:02 AM
Legendary Russian ballet choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, whose groundbreaking work shaped Soviet and post-Soviet dance for decades, has passed away at 98. A towering figure in the arts, he was celebrated with his country’s highest honors, leaving behind a legacy that redefined classical ballet.
What This Means: Grigorovich wasn’t just a choreographer—he was a force who transformed ballet into a modern spectacle while staying true to its roots. His death marks the end of an era, especially for Russian cultural identity, where ballet isn’t just art but a point of national pride. Even if you’ve never seen *Spartacus* or *The Nutcracker*, his influence rippled through dance worldwide.
— Curated via WP Now’s AI editorial system
