The Most Famous Ballerina of All Time, Ranked

Choose the ballerina you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:03
In the world of dance, the grace and artistry of a ballerina can leave an indelible impression on audiences and aspiring dancers alike. Identifying the most celebrated ballerinas of all time not only honors their contributions but also guides new enthusiasts on influential figures whose performances have defined excellence in ballet. By ranking these illustrious dancers, fans and experts alike contribute to a collective appreciation of ballet's finest talents. This dynamic ranking adjusts with each vote, reflecting the community's current views and ensuring that newcomers and long-time followers can both discover and affirm the impact of these remarkable artists in the world of dance.

Who Is the Most Famous Ballerina of All Time?

  1. 1
    58
    votes
    Anna Pavlova - considered one of the greatest ballerinas of all time, known for her signature role in "The Dying Swan."
    Anna Pavlova in other rankings
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    Misty Copeland is the first African American principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and a trailblazer for diversity in ballet.
    Misty Copeland in other rankings
  3. 3
    20
    votes
    Margot Fonteyn is a British ballerina who danced with the Royal Ballet for over 20 years, known for her partnership with Rudolf Nureyev.
    Margot Fonteyn in other rankings
  4. 4
    12
    votes
    Rudolf Nureyev
    Allan warren · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Rudolf Nureyev is a male ballet dancer from Russia who is widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century.
    Rudolf Nureyev in other rankings
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    Maya Plisetskaya is a Soviet ballerina who was known for her powerful and expressive style, particularly in the role of Carmen.
    Maya Plisetskaya in other rankings
  6. 6
    19
    votes
    Galina Ulanova is a Russian ballerina who was considered one of the greatest dramatic ballerinas of the 20th century.
    Galina Ulanova in other rankings
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    Natalia Makarova
    U.S. federal government · Public domain
    Natalia Makarova is a Russian ballerina who defected to the West in 1970 and became a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.
    Natalia Makarova in other rankings
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Alicia Alonso is a Cuban ballerina who co-founded the National Ballet of Cuba and was known for her technical prowess and dramatic ability.
    Alicia Alonso in other rankings
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    Tamara Karsavina is a Russian ballerina who danced with Diaghilev's Ballets Russes and was known for her unique style and exquisite technique.
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    Darcey Bussell is a British ballerina who was a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet and known for her stunning performances in both classical and contemporary ballets.
    Darcey Bussell in other rankings

Missing your favorite ballerina?

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Ranking factors for famous ballerina

  1. Technical skill
    This includes factors such as technique, flexibility, and control.
  2. Artistry
    This is the dancers' ability to communicate emotion and tell a story through their movement, expression, and body language.
  3. Influence and impact
    This is the dancers' impact on the art form of ballet and on future generations of dancers.
  4. Reputation
    This is the dancer's reputation and public acclaim, as well as their critical reception.
  5. Legacy
    This is the lasting impact a dancer has had on the dance world and on society as a whole.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous ballerina of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Ballerina is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2278 views
  • 181 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Ballerina once every 24 hours. The rank of each Ballerina is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous ballerina of all time

Ballet is a form of dance that has long been associated with grace, beauty, and elegance. Ballerinas are the embodiment of these qualities, and throughout history, there have been many famous ballerinas who have left their mark on the world. From the early days of ballet in the 17th century to the present day, ballerinas have captivated audiences with their skill, technique, and artistry. When it comes to determining the most famous ballerina of all time, there are many contenders to consider. Some of the most well-known ballerinas include Anna Pavlova, who helped to popularize ballet in the early 20th century, and Margot Fonteyn, who was one of the most celebrated dancers of the mid-20th century. Other famous ballerinas include Maya Plisetskaya, who was renowned for her dramatic performances, and Misty Copeland, who has broken down barriers as a black ballerina in the 21st century. Ultimately, the most famous ballerina of all time is a matter of personal opinion. However, what is clear is that ballet and ballerinas continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. With their dedication, discipline, and artistry, ballerinas truly are some of the most talented and impressive performers in the world of dance.

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