‘Rudolf Nureyev: A Life in Dance’

More than 70 costumes from the ballet dancer’s career are on display at San Francisco’s de Young Museum.

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Rudolf Nureyev and Noella Pontois in “La Bayadere,” Palais Garnier, 1974. The only American stop for an exhibit of Nureyev’s costumes — at the de Young Museum in San Francisco — is “a window into the Russian dancer’s voracious passions,” writes critic Sarah Kaufman.

Photograph by Andre Chino. Courtesy of Centre national du costume de scene (CNCS / Courtesy of CNCS

Costume by Nicholas Georgiadis for Rudolf Nureyev in the role of Jean de Brienne in "Raymonda," Opera national de Paris, 1983. Beige silk and gold lame doublet with velvet braid; cream silk shirt with elastic belt.

Photograph by Pascal Francois/CNCS / Collection CNCS/Opera national de Paris

“Before Nureyev, one scarcely took note of male ballet dancers. Ballerinas were the stars. After him, ballet came into balance. He made it sexier, more electrifying, and male dancers everywhere stood a little taller,” writes Kaufman. Costume by Nicholas Giorgiadis, doublet for Rudolf Nureyev in the role of Prince Florimond, Act III, in "Sleeping Beauty," Teatro alla Scala, Milan, 1966. Sleeveless gray and silver waistcoat trimmed with gold lace, yellow braid, and gold filigree buttons; white false shirt with pleated sleeves and lace cuffs.

Photograph by Pascal Francois/CNCS / Collection Centre national du costume de scene (CNCS)/Rudolf Nureyev Foundation

Nureyev set fashion trends on and off stage. Costume for Rudolf Nureyev in the role of Romeo, Act II, "Romeo and Juliet," Opera national de Paris. 1984. Velvet, silk, silver lame, metallic lace and sequins.

Photograph by Pascal Francois/CNCS / Collection of Centre national du costume de scene (CNCS)/Opera national de Paris

The exhibition also includes the elaborate costumes of Nureyev’s dance partners. This costume is for the Lilac Fairy Queen in "Sleeping Beauty," Teatro alla Scalla, Milan, 1966.

Photograph by Pascal Francois/CNCS / Collection Centre national du costume de scene (CNCS)/Rudolf Nureyev Foundation

Rudolf Nureyev in "La Bayadere," Palais Garnier, 1974. Nureyev later staged a revival of this production while he was gravely ill with AIDS.

Courtesy of Centre national du costume de scene (CNCS) / Courtesy of CNCS

Costume by Nicholas Giorgiadis for Rudolf Nureyev in the role of Prince Siegfried, Act I, in "Swan Lake," Vienna State Opera Ballet, 1964. Silver lace and blue silk doublet, trimmed with blue rhinestones, faux pearls, pleated linen collar and cuffs, and blue soutache.

Photograph by Pascal Francois/CNCS / Collection Centre national du costume de scene (CNCS)/Rudolf Nureyev Foundation

A detailed look at Nureyev’s "Swan Lake" costume. Writes Sarah Kaufman: “The supple architecture of stage couture, designed for flight and artistic impact, is fascinating to examine up close. “

Photograph by Pascal Francois/CNCS / Collection Centre national du costume de scene (CNCS)/Rudolf Nureyev Foundation

Rudolf Nureyev, "Moments," with the Murray Louis Dance Company, 1977. “You live as long as you dance,” Nureyev liked to say.

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