Dancer Rudolf Nureyev and choreographer and director Jerome Robbins are photographed here rehearsing for the New York City Ballet’s production of Dances at a Gathering. Though Robbins was a successful director and producer, winning an Acadeny Award for Best Director for his work in West Side Story (1961), he remained passionate about his work in dance and theatre his entire career. Robbins created Dances at a Gathering to the music of Frédéric Chopin. He clashed frequently during rehearsal with his star, Rudolf Nureyev. Nureyev was well known for his temper and problematic relationship with authority, a contributing factor to his defection from the Soviet Union. The tension between the two men is evident in this photograph, as Nureyev avoids Robbins’ gaze and aggressive posture. Despite their turbulent relationship, the director and dancer would retain mutual respect for each other’s abilities.

Gillian Holzer SC 19

The work is signed on the front (lower right, border) and bears the title “Rudolph [sic] Nureyev and Jerome Robbins,” edition number 10/30, year of creation “1970,” and the word "London" on the back.

Nureyev (in costume) is shown on the left, Robbins, on the right (arms akimbo), in conversation.

This object has the following keywords:

• Dancers
• Males

This object is a member of the following portfolios: