Super Tsar of ballet

Russia's legendary ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky (1890-1950)，lauded both for his skills and his in-depth interpretation of roles, continues to fascinate dance aficionados six decades after his death. One of the most gifted danseurs (male dancers) in ballet history, Nijinsky inspired artists from different circles with his choreography, showmanship and eccentricity that radiated across a wide variety of genres.

John Neumeier, founder and director of Germany's Hamburg Ballet, has studied Nijinsky since he was young and is among the many inspired by the virtuoso.

The troupe brings the dancer's life to the stage in Nijinsky, which makes its premiere in China at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) later this month.

The ballet unravels and explores the diverse identities the infamous dancer held in his life.

"The history of dance has always been alive for me, and the memories of legendary figures whose steps have moved us to where we stand today have influenced my own work.

One figure particularly stands out among all others - the dancer, choreographer and man who is Vaslav Nijinsky," Neumeier explained ahead of the troupe's opening night on January 27. "Nijinsky ignited my imagination, moved me deeply and inspired my ballet."

Introduced to dance at an early age by his parents, Nijinsky rose to stardom with his virtuosity, performing lead roles in many classics while working at Russia's renowned Mariinsky Theater.

He also earned a reputation as one of the few danseurs capable of dancing en pointe, or on the tip of one's toes.

In 1909, he joined the Ballets Russes (The Russian Ballet)， and choreographed The Afternoon of a Faun, Jeux, and The Rite of Spring, all of which caused scandals for their controversial story lines.

He continued to perform in following years, but with less success. His battle with schizophrenia led to his subsequent retirement in 1919. He lived mostly in mental asylums in Europe until his death in London in 1950 at the age of 60.

Nijinsky opens with a scene at a hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in January, 1919, when the virtuoso is to dance for the last time.

Using a short solo, the corps de ballet and pas de deux, the work continues with his madness in the second act when the focus shifts to his life story.

Neumeier explores his many roles as a dancer, husband, son, lover, choreographer and mentally tormented genius by choosing several dancers to represent different sides of Nijinsky's diverse persona.

The two-act ballet is accompanied by two iconic pieces of Russian music - Rimsky-Korsakov's symphonic poem Scheherazade, and Dmitri Shostakovich's 11th Symphony, with other works including short piano pieces by Chopin and Schumann.

Nijinsky is not a biographical ballet because, as Neumeier contends, "a ballet can never be a documentary."

"It is basically a biography of the soul, a biography of feelings and sensations. In the end, it's important that it's a work of art in itself. Something that's understandable, enjoyable, and moving to audiences who haven't read a single word about Nijinsky," he said.

Where: NCPA, 2 Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district

When: January 27, 28

Tickets: 180-800 yuan

Contact: 6555-0000