The Most Famous Ballerina of All Time, Ranked

Choose the ballerina you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 23, 2024 07:32
The art of ballet captures grace and discipline, embodied by talented dancers across generations. To appreciate the impact of such artists, a thoughtful ranking of the most renowned ballerinas can be enlightening. This allows fans and newcomers alike to gauge the influence and talent across different eras in ballet history. By participating in this voting process, users contribute to a collective assessment of who stands out in the world of ballet. This not only enhances appreciation for the discipline but also provides a dynamic view of how perceptions in dance excellence may shift over time. Your votes help shape an ongoing narrative of artistic excellence.

Who Is the Most Famous Ballerina of All Time?

  1. 2
    28
    points
    Misty Copeland

    Misty Copeland

    American ballerina, the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history.
    • Nationality: American
    • Born: September 10, 1982
  2. 3
    22
    points
    Margot Fonteyn

    Margot Fonteyn

    English ballerina, regarded as one of the greatest classical ballet dancers of all time.
    • Nationality: British
    • Born: May 18, 1919
    • Died: February 21, 1991
  3. 4
    21
    points
    Galina Ulanova

    Galina Ulanova

    Soviet ballerina, famous for her emotional intensity and technical purity.
    • Nationality: Soviet/Russian
    • Born: January 8, 1910
    • Died: March 21, 1998
  4. 5
    18
    points
    Maya Plisetskaya

    Maya Plisetskaya

    Soviet and Russian ballerina, choreographer, ballet director, and actress known for her unique interpretation of roles.
    • Nationality: Soviet/Russian
    • Born: November 20, 1925
    • Died: May 2, 2015
  5. 6
    14
    points
    Rudolf Nureyev

    Rudolf Nureyev

    Soviet-born dancer of ballet and modern dance, one of the most celebrated of the 20th century.
    • Nationality: Soviet/Russian
    • Born: March 17, 1938
    • Died: January 6, 1993
  6. 7
    2
    points
    Vaslav Nijinsky

    Vaslav Nijinsky

    Russian dancer and choreographer cited as the greatest male dancer of the early 20th century.
    • Nationality: Russian
    • Born: March 12, 1889
    • Died: April 8, 1950
  7. 8
    1
    points
    Sylvie Guillem

    Sylvie Guillem

    French ballet dancer known for her technical proficiency and unconventional approach to ballet.
    • Nationality: French
    • Born: February 23, 1965
  8. 9
    0
    points
    Tamara Rojo

    Tamara Rojo

    Spanish ballet dancer, director, and choreographer, currently the artistic director of the English National Ballet.
    • Nationality: Spanish
    • Born: May 17, 1974
  9. 10
    0
    points
    Margarita Mamun

    Margarita Mamun

    Russian rhythmic gymnast, known for her achievements and elegance.
    • Nationality: Russian
    • Born: November 1, 1995
    • Olympic Gold Medals: 1

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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

  • 2768 views
  • 167 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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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.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Ballerina of All Time

Anna Pavlova
Rank #1 for the most famous ballerina of all time: Anna Pavlova (Source)
Ballet has a long and rich history. It began during the Italian Renaissance in the 15th century. Court musicians and dancers performed for the nobility. Over time, ballet spread to France and Russia. These countries became centers for the art form. Ballet developed into a highly technical dance with its own vocabulary.

The most famous ballerina of all time often trained from a young age. She spent countless hours perfecting her craft. Her dedication and hard work set her apart. She had a unique ability to express emotion through movement. Her performances captivated audiences around the world. She became a symbol of grace and elegance.

Her journey to fame was not easy. She faced many challenges and obstacles. The world of ballet is competitive and demanding. Injuries are common and can end careers. Despite these difficulties, she persevered. Her passion for dance drove her to succeed. She pushed the boundaries of what was possible in ballet.

Her talent did not go unnoticed. She joined a prestigious ballet company. Here, she had the opportunity to work with top choreographers. They created roles specifically for her. She brought these characters to life on stage. Her performances were mesmerizing. Critics and audiences alike praised her skill and artistry.

She also made ballet more accessible to the public. She performed in major theaters around the world. She appeared in films and on television. Her presence helped to popularize ballet. She inspired many young dancers to pursue their dreams. Her legacy continues to influence the world of dance today.

Her personal life was often in the spotlight. She balanced her career with her personal commitments. She faced scrutiny from the media and the public. Despite this, she remained focused on her art. She handled fame with grace and dignity. Her professionalism set an example for others.

She received many awards and honors throughout her career. These accolades recognized her contributions to ballet. She was celebrated not only for her talent but also for her impact on the art form. Her influence extended beyond the stage. She became a cultural icon.

Her dedication to ballet did not end with her retirement. She continued to be involved in the dance community. She taught and mentored young dancers. She shared her knowledge and experience with the next generation. Her passion for ballet remained strong throughout her life.

Her story is one of talent, hard work, and perseverance. She overcame many obstacles to achieve her dreams. She left a lasting impact on the world of ballet. Her legacy continues to inspire dancers and audiences alike. She will always be remembered as one of the greatest ballerinas of all time.

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