Legends of Dance: Movers and Shakers Who Changed the World

As a lifelong dance enthusiast, I’ve been captivated by the brilliance and artistry of many dancers who have left an indelible mark on the world of dance. Some are household names, while others are less well-known but no less influential. Here’s a personal tribute to some of my favorite dancers, each of whom has made a significant impact on the art form we all love.

Carlos Acosta
Carlos Acosta’s virtuosity on stage is unparalleled. If Acosta were an automobile, he would be a rare Lamborghini—perfect in form and packed with overwhelming power. Born in Cuba in 1973, Acosta’s journey to becoming a global ballet star is one of grit and determination. Despite a challenging childhood, Acosta trained at the Cuban National Ballet School and quickly rose to prominence. His performances are a blend of classical technique and raw, powerful energy, making him one of the most compelling dancers of his generation. Acosta’s impact extends beyond the stage, as he now serves as the director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, where he continues to shape the future of dance.

Mikhail Baryshnikov
Many people might recognize Mikhail Baryshnikov from his role in Sex and the City, but his significance goes far beyond the screen. Baryshnikov is often hailed as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in the ballet world, thanks to his unmatched technical prowess and artistic expression. Born in Latvia in 1948, then part of the Soviet Union, Baryshnikov defected to the West in 1974, which catapulted his international career. His time with American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet redefined male ballet dancing, blending athleticism with emotional depth in a way that had never been seen before.

Carlos Gavito
Carlos Gavito, born in 1942 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a tango dancer whose influence on the genre cannot be overstated. Originally a jazz dancer, Gavito transitioned to tango and became an icon of the dance, known for his deep connection to the music and his intense, almost spiritual stage presence. Gavito’s style was marked by its elegance and emotion, blending traditional tango techniques with a modern sensibility that resonated with audiences around the world. His partnership with Marcela Durán is particularly celebrated, with their performances often described as mesmerizing.

Gavito once said, “Tango is a sad thought that you can dance,” capturing the essence of the emotional depth he brought to his performances. Tango historian Christine Denniston remarked on his impact: “Carlos Gavito embodied the heart of tango. His dance was a conversation, an intimate dialogue between partners, where every movement was infused with meaning.” Gavito’s legacy continues to influence tango dancers and enthusiasts, reminding us of the power of dance to convey the most profound human emotions.

Martha Graham
Martha Graham was not just a dancer but an intellectual powerhouse who developed an iconic form of movement that was completely her own. Born in 1894 in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Graham’s technique, characterized by its focus on contraction and release, is instantly recognizable and has become a cornerstone of modern dance. Her work was eccentric, modern, and absolutely uncompromising in its artistic vision. She created a new language of movement that was deeply expressive and often emotionally intense, making her one of the most influential figures in 20th-century dance. Graham’s legacy lives on through the Martha Graham Dance Company and the countless dancers she inspired.

Maya Plisetskaya
Maya Plisetskaya was one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century, known for her exceptional technique, dramatic flair, and long career. Born in Moscow in 1925, Plisetskaya became a principal dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet, where she gained worldwide acclaim for her performances in ballets like Swan Lake and The Dying Swan. Her interpretation of classical roles was uniquely her own, combining a strong stage presence with unparalleled technical ability. Plisetskaya’s contributions to ballet extended beyond her performances, as she later choreographed and mentored the next generation of dancers. She is remembered not only for her artistry but also for her resilience in the face of political pressures during the Soviet era.

Gelsey Kirkland
Gelsey Kirkland is often described as the original bad girl of ballet, a title she earned through both her tumultuous personal life and her extraordinary talent. Born in 1952, Kirkland trained at the School of American Ballet and quickly became one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation. Her autobiography offers a raw look into her struggles, but it’s her artistry that truly sets her apart. In the world of contemporary ballet, there’s Gelsey, and then there’s everyone else. Much like Madonna in pop music, Gelsey’s first name alone is enough to conjure an image of her ethereal yet technically precise performances. She’s in a league of her own, and her influence on ballet is as profound as it is enduring.

Arthur Mitchell
Arthur Mitchell made history as the first African American principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, where he broke barriers not only in ballet but in the broader cultural landscape. Born in 1934 in Harlem, New York, Mitchell was a trailblazer during the civil rights movement, using his platform to promote diversity in the arts. In the 1960s, he founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem, providing opportunities for dancers of color and creating a legacy of inclusivity in ballet. His work as a dancer, educator, and advocate for racial equality has had a profound impact on the arts and continues to inspire new generations of dancers.

Vaslav Nijinsky
Before Baryshnikov, there was Vaslav Nijinsky, a dancer whose name is synonymous with groundbreaking artistry. Born in 1889 in Kiev, Nijinsky was a principal dancer with the Ballets Russes, where he became famous for his gravity-defying leaps and intense performances. His role in L’Après-midi d’un faune (The Afternoon of a Faun) and Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) which he also choreographed, were revolutionary, pushing the boundaries of what ballet could express. Though his career was tragically cut short by mental illness, Nijinsky remains an enduring icon whose influence is still felt in the dance world today.

Yvonne Rainer
In my opinion, contemporary dance as we know it today would not exist without Yvonne Rainer. Born in 1934, Rainer is a true maverick and innovator whose work challenged the traditional notions of dance and performance art. Her groundbreaking solo Trio A opened a door for dance to evolve in new and unexpected directions, blending minimalist movements with complex concepts. Rainer’s influence can be seen in the evolution of contemporary dance, making her the godmother of modern movement. Her work has inspired countless artists across various disciplines, solidifying her place as one of the most influential figures in the history of modern dance.

Christine Shevchenko
Christine Shevchenko, a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, is a name to watch. Born in Ukraine in 1988, Shevchenko moved to the United States to train at the Pennsylvania Ballet School and later joined the American Ballet Theatre, where she rose through the ranks. I admit I may be biased, as I’ve had the privilege of watching her rehearse up close at our main location. Christine is in her prime, having recently danced her first full-length Swan Lake at Lincoln Center. Her career is still unfolding, but her dedication to her craft and her meticulous approach to technique suggest that she will one day be recognized as one of the legendary ballerinas of our time.

These dancers, each in their own way, have shaped the world of dance and continue to inspire both performers and audiences alike. Their legacies remind us of the power of movement to transcend boundaries, communicate profound emotion, and connect us to the universal language of art.

Author Michael Cornell is the founder of the Align Ballet Method and spent a decade as a principal dancer with BalletMet.