Mikhail Baryshnikov, Anna Pavlova, and Rudolf Nureyev: these household names are certainly no strangers to anyone who appreciates classical ballet. The dance culture of the Western world, however, has been shaped by various established dancers from different eras and genres, including tap, hip-hop, ballroom dancing, and pop. Here's a timeline that highlights some key milestones in dance history, featuring some of the 17 most famous dancers of all time.
1900-1920s
Anna Pavlova revolutionized classical ballet through touring and pointe shoes modification
1930s-1940s
Fred Astaire and the Nicholas Brothers helmed the Golden Age of Hollywood Dance through tap dance, acrobatics, and ballroom dancing
1950s-1960s
The rise of male ballet dancers and the defection of Rudolf Nureyev, who developed more advanced ballet techniques
1970s-1980s
New ballet talents emerge in Paris and the West, like Patrick Dupond and Mikhail Baryshnikov, who bridged the gap between ballet on stage and on screen through acting
1980s-1990s
The era of pop music dance begins and flourishes with talents like Michael Jackson and Madonna
1990s-2000s
Contemporary elements are added to tap dance and ballet through the interpretation of dancers like Savion Glover and Marie-Claude Pietragalla
2000s-2020s
Globalization of modern fusion pop and modern ballet through icons like Shakira and Sergei Polunin
In this article, we'll review these 16 most famous dance icons of all time, where we look at their background, achievements, and legacy in the dancing industry.
| Name | Style | Date of Birth | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Pavlova | Ballet | 02-12-1881 | Modernization of pointe shoe, iconic solo performances |
| Vaslav Nijinsky | Ballet | 02-12-1889 | Known for being a legendary performer and establishing his own dance company |
| Fred Astaire | Ballroom, Tap, Jazz | 05-10-1899 | Influential film and Broadway dances, integral dance to film plots |
| Maurice Béjart | Modern Ballet | 01-01-1927 | Helped establish the foundation of modern dance in France and Belgium |
| Rudolf Nureyev | Ballet | 03-17-1938 | Defection from Soviet Union, leadership at Paris Opera Ballet |
| Mikhail Baryshnikov | Ballet, Acting | 01-27-1948 | Transition to acting, revitalizing modern ballet with Twyla Tharp |
| Michael Jackson | Pop, Street Dance | 08-29-1958 | Popularized moonwalk, signature dance style |
| Madonna | Pop, Modern Choreo | 08-16-1958 | Integration of dance in pop music, iconic choreography (e.g. Vogue) |
| Savion Glover | Tap Dance | 11-19-1973 | Choreography for "Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk" |
| The Nicholas Brothers | Tap, Acrobatics | Fayard: 10-29-1914 Harold: 06-02-1921 | Acrobatic tap dancing, influential film performances |
| Patrick Dupont | Ballet | 02-14-1959 | Paris Opera Ballet tenure, collaborations with renowned choreographers |
| Marie-Claude Pietragalla | Contemporary Ballet | 02-03-1963 | Leading contemporary ballet dancer and choreographer |
| Manuel Legris | Ballet | 10-10-1964 | Started his career at the Paris Opera and later became the director of the Vienna State Ballet and the Director of the Milan Scala Ballet |
| Shakira | Pop, Belly Dance Fusion | 02-02-1977 | Popularized belly dance fusion with pop music globally |
| Benjamin Millepied | 06-10-1977 | Lead dancer with the New York City Ballet and later became the dance director at the Opera of Paris ballet corps. | |
| Sergei Polunin | Ballet | 11-20-1989 | Modern ballet stardom, viral fame, innovative performances |
| Pavel Dmitrichenko | Ballet | 01-03-1984 | The former leading soloist of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. |
Anna Pavlova
Anna Pavlova (1881-1931) was one of the greatest ballet dancers in the world. Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, she developed a passion for ballet after watching a performance of The Sleeping Beauty and began her training at Imperial Ballet School.
Despite her sickly appearance and "disadvantaged body structure" to be a ballerina, Pavlova was determined to improve her dancing techniques diligently.
She became famous for her solo dance as The Dying Swan, choreographed by Michel Fokine.
Later, Pavlova set up her own dancing company and began touring across the world, where she also incorporated many ethnic dances from other countries in her performances.
Today, Anna Pavlova's legacy goes beyond her ethereal dancing presence, but also her innovative ideas to improve the functionality and comfort of the pointe shoes. Taking inspiration from her own big toes, she modified the pointe shoes by inserting leather soles to offer more support and flattening the front toe section of the shoes. 1
She reportedly performed The Dying Swan 4,000 times, a solo piece that was specifically designed for her, showing her craft and dedication to the role.
Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire was a prominent and irreplaceable figure during the glorious Hollywood musical era and Broadway performances. He always lit up the screen and stage with his elegant dance choreography, which combined elements of tap dance, ballet, and ballroom dancing.
He was also known for his beautiful voice and musical chemistry with co-stars like actress Ginger Rogers, Cyd Charisse, Rita Rayworth, and Judy Garland. Many movie fans certainly were in awe when he performed the iconic choreography on the walls and ceiling while filming Royal Wedding.
Mind you, this was an era without CGI! Astaire was highly respected for his elegant presentation, his professionalism, and dedication to filming his dance moves in one continuous take, resulting in smooth transitions between songs and dances. His dancing style has certainly served as inspiration to many Broadway choreographers and the musical sphere.
Either the camera will dance, or I will.
Red Astaire
Rudolf Nureyev
Born in 1938 in the Soviet Union, Nureyev has often been hailed as the Lord of the Dance. He defected from the Soviet Union and sought asylum in Paris, and began his international career during the Cold War period in the 60s. He went on to perform in London, Zurich, Denmark, and the United States.
He filled the role of director for the Paris Opera Ballet from 1983 to 1989, indelibly leaving his mark on one of the world's most important operas. Considered one of the greatest classical dancers of all time, his trademark style combined classical ballet with contemporary and even baroque repertoires.
A great international dancer and gifted choreographer, he added a page to the history of dance and ballet by putting male ballet dancers at the forefront in the majority of his works.
A music lover, Nureyev eventually took up conducting later in life and even conducted for the American Ballet Theater’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Opera House in 1992.
Mikhail Baryshnikov
Born to Russian parents in Latvia in 1948, Mikhail Baryshnikov enrolled in a ballet school when he was 12. While on a dance tour in 1974, he defected from the Soviet Union to Canada. Since then, his international career took off as he joined the American Ballet Theatre and later the New York City Ballet as the principal dancer. He later went on to become the artistic director of the American Ballet Theatre.
Despite his shorter stature as a ballerino (5"4'), Baryshnikov showed great physical athleticism for high leaps and elegant lines when he performed famous ballet repertoires.
He was popular among the audience for his dancing abilities, stage presence, as well as his good looks. It's no surprise that he ventured into acting.
Some of his notable filmography include The Turning Point (1977), where he received an Academy Award nomination, White Nights (1985), and, most recently, his role as Aleksandr Petrovsky in Sex and the City as Carrie Bradshaw's brief love interest.2
Baryshnikov is also known for his vision to promote both classical ballet and contemporary dance. In 2005, he set up the Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) to support aspiring artists in different dancing genres.
Michael Jackson
Who today is unfamiliar with the King of Pop and his famous moonwalk? He is also known for having uttered memorable dance quotes.
Thinking is the biggest mistake a dancer could make. You have to feel.
Michael Jackson
Born in 1958, Michael Jackson did not start his career alone. With his brothers supporting him, young Michael fronted the Jackson Five. After helping to shape the musical landscape with his talent, he launched his solo career in 1971.
His artistic flair outshone the controversial man that he was. Jackson's concerts were all-encompassing shows that mixed dance, singing, and videos. His stage performances are unparalleled to this day.
He popularized dance steps such as: The Moonwalk, The Sidewalk, and The Lean: a true prowess of the body that leans at 45 ° and then comes up seemingly effortlessly, a feat that fascinates all his fans and even students of physics! Sadly, this pop dance icon passed away in 2009 at the age of 50 years old.
Madonna
If we have the King of Pop, we must also talk about the Queen of Pop. Born in 1958, Madonna dreamt of becoming a dancer after taking ballet lessons as a child. She was also interested in and talented at learning other musical instruments, such as the drums and guitar.
Madonna actively incorporates various dance genres in her performances and is never afraid to experiment with various choreographies, which eventually shaped her identity as a pop culture icon, alongside her bold fashion choices, even until today.
From the Latin fusion dance-inspired “La Isla Bonita” (1987), the voguing dance popularized in “Vogue” (1990), to hip-hop-based "Hung Up" (2005), Madonna's dance style has always evolved and engaged the audience - showing her versatility as the ultimate performer.
Did you know that Madonna received a dance scholarship to study at the University of Michigan? She chose to drop out and moved to New York, and began working as a backup dancer.
Savion Glover
If you are a fan of tap dancing, you would have heard of Savion Glover. Glover showed promising talent in dancing as a kid and gravitated towards different styles of tap dancing. At the age of 12, he made his Broadway debut in The Tap Dance Kid.
Glover is best known for his intrinsic storytelling through his tap choreography in the musical "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk." The musical centers around African American history through tap dance, and he won the Tony Award for Best Choreography in 1996. Glover is often credited for his deep thought process and inspiring insights about tap dance.3
There are many different styles of, and approaches to, tap. My own leans towards a more intellectual view: tap dancing not just for the sake of entertainment, but to educate and spark emotion.
Savion Glover, The Guardian Interview (2014)
The Nicholas Brothers
One of the famous and timeless family dancing duos of all time, Fayard (1914–2006) and Harold (1921–2000) Nicholas grew up in a musically inclined family. Their parents were musicians who had their own band, and the brothers were exposed to the African-American performing scene at a young age.
The Nicholas Brothers were well known for their unique dancing style - flash dancing, which combines tap dance, ballet, and acrobatics, even receiving compliments from the legendary Fred Astaire. They soon began performing in Hollywood and eventually set out on international tours. Their artistry and rhythmically synchronized routines set them apart as performers during the era of segregation during their active years from the 30s to 50s.
The Nicholas Brothers performed for royalties and distinguished guests across the globe, including King George VI and nine US presidents.
If ballet is not your forte, consider taking hip hop dance classes here on Superprof!
Maurice Béjart
Maurice-Jean Berger (1927-2007), professionally known as Maurice Béjart, was one of the greatest dancers and choreographers of the twentieth century.
Entranced by the dance at a young age, he opened his first dance school in Belgium in 1960, called The Twentieth Century Ballet, which went on to tour the world.
His approach to dance was considered classic by his contemporaries, which led to challenges throughout his career. Maurice Béjart was inspired by classical and neoclassical representations in dance, incorporatingmusical, lyrical, theatrical and choreographic elements into his performances.
Today, Maurice Bejart is recognized as one of the most influential choreographers, who established the foundation of modern dance in France and Belgium.
A member of the French Academy of Fine Arts from 1994 until his death, he remains one of the most cited choreographers in the dance community.
Vaslav Nijinsky
Applause is not opinion. Applause is a feeling of love for the audience.
Vaslav Nijinsky
A Russian dancer and choreographer of Polish origin, he made a name for himself within the competitive world of dance.
Vaslav Fomitch Nijinsky was born in Ukraine on March 12, 1889 and died on April 8, 1950 in London.
This performer entered the Imperial Dance Academy of St. Petersburg very young. There he garnered his share of attention for his leaps and extraordinary aptitude as a dancer.
It was the impresario Sergei Diaghilev who cultivated that talent, and propelled him to fame. Launched into Russian high society, this dancer became one of the greatest artists of his time.
After joining the famed Russian ballet company Ballet Russe, he took the principal role in Petrushka, as well as starring inThe Spectre of the Rose.
Additionally, Vaslav Nijinsky developed an unusual system for scoring dances, that he created for his own use. Interpreting them is how we were able to restore parts of obscure ballets such as The Afternoon of a Faun and The Rite of Spring.
Manuel Legris
Recently retired after spending years with Opera Garnier, Manuel Legris stands out in the French landscape of the best classical dancers.
Dubbed one of the little rats of the opera when he joined at age 11, Manuel Legris began his career at the Palais Garnier in Paris. An age at which one enters through the small door: who knew he would become a star? The small yet selective door in question is a figurative one that allows the best classical dance students access to the best teaching in France.
He was not treated to special privilege; he paid his dues in dance, ultimately becoming a principal dancer – so dubbed by Maurice Béjart.
His farewell performance was the title role in Onegin.
Marie-Claude Pietragalla
Born in 1963 in Paris, Marie-Claude Pietragalla is widely known in the world of dance for her ambitious and evocative dancing as well as choreography. In fact, she is one of the top choreographers of France!
She entered the world of dance at a young age to counter a brimming hyperactivity. Those early efforts earned her entrance into the ballet school of the Paris National Opera at the tender age of 9 years. At 16, she joined the opera's corps du ballet, graduating to principle dancer on December 22nd, 1990, after a performance in Don Quixote.
In 2004, she launched her own dance company with husband Julien Derouault, called The Theatre of the Corps Pietragalla–Derouault. Their particular brand of choreographed art is inspired by classical and contemporary dance, peppered with hip-hop influences.
Find adult dance classes near me here on Superprof.
Shakira
Born in 1977, Shakira is a Colombian singer-songwriter and dancer who elevated Latin and Middle Eastern dance styles in the mainstream dancing scene.
As a young girl, Shakira learned belly dancing and started writing songs while harboring dreams to break into the music industry.
Her dedication and persistence eventually led her to conquer both the Latin American and English markets in 2001, when she launched her first English album, Laundry Service.
Most of us know her from her acclaimed catchy single, Hips Don’t Lie, which became one of the best-selling singles of all time. It even became the No. 1 song in 50 countries! 4
Until today, Shakira is known as one of the most successful crossover female Latin artists with massive hits and awards, including 4 Grammys! Her latest belly dancing performance during the 2025 Grammy Awards was a sight to behold!
Pavel Dmitrichenko
Pavel Dmitrichenko, of the Russian Ballet, was born in Moscow in 1984. He was destined to become a great artist, as he was born into a family of folk dancers. In fact, he had long been a part of the Folk Dance Academy, at the time led by Igor Moiseyev.
After graduation from the Choreography Academy, he joined the famous Bolshoi Theatre company, and then attended theater classes at the Russian Theatre Institute.
A great dancer of world renown, Pavel Dmitrichenko has participated in numerous ballets such as Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and Spartacus.
Why not study different styles of dance with Superprof?
Benjamin Millepied
As much a dancer as a choreographer, Benjamin Millepied soon became a principal dancer, but that is not where his fame actually lies. The most famous title to his credit, Black Swan, involves the rigorous training of a ballet dancer to take the lead in Swan Lake.
Born in 1971 in Bordeaux, he was lead dancer with the New York City Ballet, where his really career took off.
It was there that he learned to blend artistic elements, a talent proven in the above-mentioned dance film.
Fresh off his success in Black Swan, he became dance director of the Opera of Paris ballet corps, a post he held from 2014 to 2016.
Today, Benjamin Millepied is known the world over as one of dance's greats.
Find dance classes near me here.
Patrick Dupond
Born in Paris on March 14, 1959, Patrick Dupond became a household name when he became the first French dancer to win the gold medal of the Varna International Ballet competition in Bulgaria. The French dancer was subsequently fast-tracked into the dance master's course and soon became the principal dancer at the Paris Opera in 1980.
At the age of 21, Dupond was made danseur étoile (star dancer), the highest rank a dancer can achieve at the Paris Opera Ballet.
A classical dancer, he has forged himself a national and international career, collaborating with dance greats such as Maurice Béjart and Rudolf Nureyev, whom he replaced as Director of Ballet at the National Opera of Paris.
Dupond survived a serious car accident in 2001, which brought his dancing career to a temporary halt. After recovering, he turned his focus to teaching and even became a dance jury for Danse avec les stars. He passed away in 2021, at the age of 61.
Read about the best music for dancing.
Sergei Polunin
His full name is Sergei Vladimirovich Polounin, and he is a Ukrainian dancer born in 1989. Indoctrinated very early into dance, he joined the Royal Ballet of London at the age of 13 and became the youngest ever male principal dancer of the school at the age of 20. Some of his notable achievements in his dance career include:
2006
Prix de Lausanne
2007
The Young British Dancer of the Year
2010
Critics' Circle National Dance Awards for the Best Male Dancer
In 2012, Polunin resigned from his position in the Royal Ballet in London and almost gave up on dancing after being disillusioned with the harsh realities of being a dancer - where financial and emotional struggles had taken a toll on him over the years. He came back to the public eye again when his ballet interpretation of Hozier's 'Take Me to Church' became a viral sensation.
Now, Polunin has set up his own company, Polunin Ink, and is actively engaging in independent projects across the globe.
We hope this list of dancers has inspired you with their passion and dedication towards dancing. Let us know who your favorite dancer is in the comments!
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Very interesting!
Thank you for your comment, Laura! I’m glad you enjoyed the article!