1. Vaslav Nijinsky (1889-1950)

Nijinsky was a Russian dancer and choreographer of Polish descent, celebrated for his virtuosity and for the depth and intensity of his characterisations.

2. Anna Pavlova (1881-1931)

A Russian prima ballerina, recognised for the creation of the role ‘The Dying Swan’, Pavlova became the first ballerina to tour ballet internationally. 

3. Galina Ulanova (1910-1998)

Acclaimed Russian dancer Galina Ulanova was transferred by Stalin to the Bolshoi Theatre to be prima ballerina assoluta for 16 years.

4. Rudolf Nureyev (1938-1993)

Nureyev, portrayed in 2018 biographical film The White Crow starring Oleg Ivenko and Ralph Fiennes, was a Soviet-born dancer whose expressive skills, provided a new role for the male dancer who previously served primarily as support to the women.

5. Margot Fonteyn (1919-1991)

Fonteyn spent her entire career as a dancer with The Royal Ballet, eventually being appointed Prima Ballerina Assoluta by HM The Queen.

6. Mikhail Baryshnikov (1948-)

After defecting from Russia, Baryshnikov later became artistic director of the American Ballet Theatre. In 1977, he received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in The Turning Point.

7. Natalia Makarova (1940-)

Russian ballerina Natalia Makarova performed with the American Ballet Theatre in New York and the Royal Ballet.

8. Anthony Dowell (1943-)

Anthony Dowell is most noted for the role of Oberon in The Dream by Sir Frederick Ashton and for his filmed performance as Siegfried in Swan Lake with Natalia Makarova in 1980.

9. Gelsey Kirkland (1952-)

After joining the New York City Ballet at 15, Kirkland was promoted to soloist in 1969 and principal in 1972. She went on to create leading roles in many of the great 20th-century ballets.

10. Sylvie Guillem (1965-)

The top-ranking female dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet from 1984 to 1989, Guillem later became a principal guest artist with the Royal Ballet in London.