Fokine, Mikhail (1880–1942)

Russian choreographer and dancer. He was chief choreographer to the Ballets Russes 1909–14, and with Diaghilev revitalized and reformed the art of ballet, promoting the idea of artistic unity among dramatic, musical, and stylistic elements.

Fokine was born in St Petersburg. His creations for Diaghilev include some of the most famous works in the ballet repertory, such as Les Sylphides 1909, Schéhérazade and The Firebird, both 1910, and Le Spectre de la rose and Petrushka, both 1911. He also created The Dying Swan for Anna Pavlova 1907. As a dancer, he was first soloist with the Mariinsky Theatre (later the Kirov) 1904.