Premiered in 2000 by the Hamburg Ballet, John Neumeier's Nijinsky vividly explores the tumultuous life and mind of Vaslav Nijinsky, a legendary early 20th century ballet dancer and choreographer, known as "le dieu de la danse." Divided into two acts, the ballet is structured around Nijinsky's personal and professional struggles, juxtaposing the heights of his artistic achievements from his rise as a star at the Ballets Russes with his eventual mental breakdown that marked his later years. Through expressive choreography and innovative staging, Neumeier portrays Nijinsky’s intense internal conflict, his relationships with key figures like impresario Sergei Diaghilev, and his complex love for his wife, Romola. The ballet also reflects on Nijinsky’s impact on the world of dance, capturing his groundbreaking performances and revolutionary style in the roles of The Golden Slave to The Faun and Petrushka, while ultimately highlighting the tragic toll his genius took on his mental health.

Composer: Frédéric Chopin, Robert Schumann, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Dmitri Shostakovich
Choreography: John Neumeier
Venue: Hamburg State Opera
Company: Hamburg Ballet
Cast/Soloist: Alexandre Riabko, Carolina Agüero, Patricia Friza, Ivan Urban, Marc Jubete, Hamburg Ballet
Genre: Dance