1890-1950. Russian dancer and choreographer.
Noted for his powerful but graceful
technique, he was a legendary member of
Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, for whom he
choreographed Debussy's Prelude a
l'Apres-midi d'un faune 1912 and Jeux 1913,
and Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring 1913. He
also took lead roles in ballets such as
Petrushka 1911. He rejected conventional
forms of classical ballet in favour of free
expression. His sister was the choreographer
Bronislava Nijinska (1891-1972).