Top 10 Male Ballet Dancers To Watch in 2024
People often associate ballet with the elegance of ballerinas in delicate tutus rather than male ballet dancers.
However, male ballet dancers bring strength, athleticism, and charisma that balance and elevate ballet performances.
In recent years, as society challenges outdated stereotypes and perceptions, more men are turning to ballet.
How wonderful is that!
In this blog post, I’ll highlight the top 10 male ballet dancers, new and old, you should watch this year for inspiration and awe.
WHO ARE THE TOP 10 MALE BALLET DANCERS?
The top 10 male ballet dancers are:
WHAT MAKES A GREAT MALE BALLET DANCER?
Beyond technical skills (ie. clean footwork, high jumps, and flawless pirouettes), their charisma and stage presence truly set great male ballet dancers apart.
Male ballet dancers also possess a unique blend of virtuosity and emotional softness showcasing their artistry, technique, and stage presence.
STRENGTH AND ATHLETICISM
Strength and athleticism are fundamental to performing powerful leaps, turns, and, importantly, lifts.
These feats require extraordinary physical ability, allowing male dancers to move precisely while supporting their partners in demanding choreography.
EMOTIONAL SOFTNESS AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
Great male ballet dancers are admired for balancing power with vulnerability and grace.
A male dancer’s ability to portray softer, more delicate qualities, as well as strength, and athleticism, also make them suitable for a broader range of roles and styles.
It’s not just about looking like a prince!
It’s about tapping into the emotional complexity of the character and forming a genuine connection with both their dance partner and the audience.
TECHNICAL SKILL
Impeccable technique is indeed a standout quality in male ballet dancers.
The ability to execute flawless multiple pirouettes, soaring leaps, and gravity-defying jumps can truly captivate and wow an audience.
However, balancing those technical ‘tricks’ with control and the more subtle details of intricate footwork, such as batterie is paramount.
PARTNERING
In essence, the combination of athletic prowess, emotional connection, and fluid partnering skills is what makes male ballet dancers extraordinary.
Partnering demands finesse, strength, timing, and a deep connection, enhancing the storytelling aspect of ballet.
It involves trust, communication, and perfect timing, demonstrating both strength and sensitivity to make complex lifts and movements appear effortless.
I’ve worked with some talented male dancers so I know this is no easy task!
ICONIC BALLET PERFORMANCES
In classical ballet, numerous male roles stand out for different reasons.
However, three classical roles challenge male dancers to push themselves physically and explore their artistic expressions.
DES GRIEUX IN ‘MANON’
This role challenges a male dancer to embody Des Grieux’s emotional journey, shifting from innocence to despair.
Plus, you have to accomplish this through technically demanding solos and four complex pas de deux!
ROMEO IN ‘ROMEO AND JULIET‘
The role of Romeo demands a balance of athleticism and emotional depth.
With virtuosic solos, tender pas de deux, and dynamic fight scenes, it is both technically and dramatically intense.
ONEGIN IN ‘ONEGIN’
Onegin is a complex character that requires a profound understanding of how his character has to develop.
It requires both technical skill and emotional range to express deep emotional conflict and growth.
It’s the perfect role for artistic interpretation.
INFLUENCE ON BALLET
The biggest influence male dancers have had on ballet is the evolution of their role within performances.
Initially, male dancers served primarily to support the ballerinas, however, this dynamic has shifted significantly.
Today, male ballet dancers take centre stage to showcase their immense technical skill, artistry, and emotional range.
This evolution has also given male dancers a platform to advocate for young boys entering ballet, who often face bullying or societal judgement due to outdated stereotypes.
This change in perception highlights the athleticism and expressiveness of ballet, encouraging diversity and acceptance in the dance world.
#1 RUDOLF NUREYV
Born in 1938 in Russia, Rudolf Nureyev gained international fame as a Principal Dancer with the Kirov Ballet before moving to the West in 1961.
He formed an impressive partnership with Margot Fonteyn at the Royal Ballet, where they captivated audiences for many years.
Nureyev excelled in classical ballet, showcasing his extraordinary technique, passionate performances, and charismatic stage presence.
He also pushed boundaries by collaborating with contemporary choreographers and exploring innovative forms of movement.
Nureyev’s impact has extended beyond his performance; contributing to the dance community as a choreographer, creating new works and revitalising existing ballets.
Nureyev revolutionised male ballet dancing in the 20th century, challenging traditional expectations and giving male dancers a more central and commanding role on stage.
#2 MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV
Born in Riga, Latvia, in 1948, Mikhail Baryshnikov trained at the Vaganova School and became Principal Dancer with the Kirov Ballet (now the Mariinsky).
In search of more artistic freedom, he moved to the West in 1974, and became an international star, joining the American Ballet Theatre and later becoming its Artistic Director.
Known for his unmatched technique, athleticism, and versatility, he excelled in both classical roles and contemporary works, especially for his roles in Don Quixote and George Balanchine’s neoclassical ballets.
Additionally, he achieved mainstream fame through acting roles in The Turning Point and Sex and the City.
Mikhail Baryshnikov is one of the greatest male ballet dancers in history.
#3 CARLOS ACOSTA
Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1973, Carlos Acosta is recognised as one of the most celebrated male ballet dancers of his generation.
Becoming the youngest-ever Principal Dancer at the English National Ballet at 18, Acosta’s career flourished with the Royal Ballet and other major companies around the world.
Noted for his exceptional technique, charisma, and emotional expressiveness, he earned international acclaim for his performances in Spartacus, Don Quixote and La Bayadere.
From a humble upbringing in Cuba, he is now the Artistic Director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, sharing his incredible experience and vision with the next generation of dancers.
#4 ROBERTO BOLLE
Roberto Bolle is an Italian ballet dancer celebrated for his impeccable technique and charm.
He became a Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and Etoile at La Scala in Milan, performing in both classical and contemporary ballets worldwide.
Bolle is known for his powerful stage presence and his ability to blend athleticism with grace, particularly for roles like Romeo in ‘Romeo and Juliet‘ and Prince Siegfried in ‘Swan Lake‘.
Roberto Bolle hosts and performs in Roberto Bolle and Friends, an internationally renowned ballet gala that has becomed a celebrated cultural even.
This brings together some of the world’s top ballet dancers.
His crossover into fashion and media, along with his artistic outreach projects, has broadened ballet’s appeal to a global audience.
#5 DAVID HALLBERG
David Hallberg is a celebrated American ballet dancer, recognised for his performances with esteemed companies such as the American Ballet Theatre and the Bolshoi Ballet.
He is renowned for his artistry, technical skill, and versatility.
This is particularly the case for his iconic roles as Prince Siegfried in ‘Swan Lake’, Romeo in ‘Romeo and Juliet’, and in The Dying Swan, where he offered a distinctive interpretation of a traditional female role.
Hallberg’s range extends beyond classical works.
Moreover, he has engaged with contemporary choreography, showcasing his adaptability and dedication to broadening the ballet repertoire.
After experiencing a significant injury, he rehabilitated in Australia at the Australian Ballet, where he now serves as Artistic Director.
Hallberg continues to enrich the company’s repertoire and promote ballet through outreach and educational programs.
#6 IVAN VASILIEV
Ivan Vasiliev is a prominent Russian ballet dancer known for his exceptional talent and dynamic performances.
Although Ivan Vasiliev’s appearance and technique did not conform to the traditional standards of the Bolshoi, he was a fearless and expressive performer.
Nevertheless, he rose to fame as a Principal Dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet.
This is where he displayed his remarkable athleticism and skill, particularly in iconic roles such as the title character in Don Quixote, and Flames of Paris and Spartacus.
Vasiliev´s dramatic expressiveness and ability to combine powerful leaps with intricate footwork, has earned him recognition as one of the leading male dancers of his generation.
He has also worked with various international companies and participated in numerous galas and festivals, and his passion for dance and commitment to his craft continue to inspire audiences globally.
#7 SERGEI POLUNIN
Sergei Polunin is a Ukrainian-born ballet dancer known for his incredible technique, stage presence, and rebellious persona.
He became the youngest-ever Principal Dancer at the Royal Ballet in London at age 19, gaining international attention for his exceptional talent.
His fame skyrocketed after his emotional performance to Hozier’s ‘Take Me to Church’ went viral, blending his classical ballet technique with contemporary artistry.
Polunin left the Royal Ballet in 2012, citing personal struggles and dissatisfaction with the discipline required in the ballet world.
#8 MARCELO GOMES
Marcelo Gomes, born in 1976 in Brazil, trained at the Teatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro and later joined the American Ballet Theatre, where he became a Principal Dancer.
Gomes is renowned for his remarkable technique, powerful stage presence, and dramatic interpretations in a wide range of characters in both classical and contemporary ballets.
In addition, beyond performing, Gomes is also involved in choreography and has created works for various companies, showcasing his commitment to the evolution of ballet.
He is a respected figure and an inspiration for many aspiring dancers, particularly in promoting the art form in Brazil and beyond.
#9 DANIIL SIMKIN
Daniil Simkin is a famous Russian ballet dancer known for his exceptional talent and technique.
Born in 1989 in Russia, he trained at the Vaganova Academy and gained stardom as a Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.
He’s known for his remarkable technique, impeccable lines and dynamic performances in a wide range of classical and contemporary works.
In addition to his performances, Simkin is known for his innovative choreography and for fostering new talent through various projects, including ‘Visceral Dance Chicago’.
His contributions to the dance community and his ability to bridge classical ballet with contemporary styles have made him a prominent figure in the world of ballet.
#10 STEVEN MCRAE
Steven McRae is an accomplished Australian ballet dancer, recognised for his exceptional talent and versatility (which often allows him to dance in tap shoes).
As a Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet, McRae has gained acclaim for his versatility, athleticism, and clean technique.
McRae is also recognised for his innovative choreography and dedication to broadening the ballet repertoire.
His contributions to the dance world have earned him a reputation as one of the leading male dancers of his generation.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Here are a few more notable male ballet dancers still worth mentioning:
VADIM MUNTAGIROV
Vadim Muntagirov is a ballet dancer from Russia, renowned for his exceptional technique and captivating performances.
Currently a Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet, he has received acclaim for his versatility in both classical and contemporary works, winning the Prix Benois de la Danse twice
The first was for his portrayal of the Prince in ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ and later for Prince Siegfried in ‘Swan Lake’.
CESAR CORRALES
Cesar Corrales is a Mexican-Canadian ballet dancer and actor, who gained recognition for his role as ‘Young Billy’ in the Chicago and Toronto productions of Billy Elliot the Musical.
After serving as a Principal Dancer with the English National Ballet, he is now a Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet and a rising star in the ballet world.
ARAN BELL
Aran Bell is a talented American ballet dancer known for his appearance as a featured performer in the 2011 documentary First Position.
With his exceptional talent, he rapidly ascended through the ranks of the American Ballet Theatre, becoming a Principal Dancer at the age of 21.
TOP 10 MALE BALLET DANCER FAQS
WHO IS CONSIDERED THE BEST MALE BALLET DANCER OF ALL TIME?
Rudolf Nureyev is one of the best male dancers of all time. However, there are many notable male ballet dancers throughout history, each bringing something extraordinary to the art form.
WHAT ARE THE MOST FAMOUS ROLES PERFORMED BY TOP MALE BALLET DANCERS?
Some of the most iconic roles for male ballet dancers in classical ballets include:
These particular roles allow male ballet dancers to show technical virtuosity, emotional depth, acting ability, partnering skills, as well as bravura and showmanship.
HOW HAVE FAMOUS MALE BALLET DANCERS INFLUENCED MODERN BALLET?
Famous male ballet dancers have profoundly influenced modern ballet, moving from supporting roles to being central figures in both classical and contemporary works.
Male dancers have redefined their roles by emphasising a blend of technique, power, and emotional depth, showing they are more than just partners to ballerinas.
Their performances have inspired choreographers to create complex, expressive roles that explore a range of qualities from strength and power to vulnerability and fluidity.
WHAT IS THE HIGHEST AWARD OR RECOGNITION A MALE BALLET DANCER CAN RECEIVE?
Aside from reaching the rank of Principal Dancer, which is a globally recognised pinnacle of achievement in a ballet company, male dancers can receive prestigious awards.
For example:
WRAP UP
Historically, male dancers have redefined the art of ballet, breaking stereotypes.
Dancers like Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Carlos Acosta have shown that male dancers bring equal grace, strength, and charisma to the stage.
Their influence has paved the way for the next generation of male ballet dancers, inspiring young boys to pursue ballet with pride and determination.
Furthermore, these role models show ballet requires physical strength and emotional expression, challenging outdated perceptions and reinforcing that ballet is for everyone.
