Grigorovich, Yuri (1927– )

Russian choreographer and ballet director. He was chief choreographer and artistic director for the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, Russia, from 1964 to 1994. He formed his own company, Ballet Grigorovich, in 1997. He is known for his combination of classical productions and new interpretations of the classics.

Grigorovich trained at the Leningrad Choreographic School and graduated in 1946. He joined the Kirov Ballet as a dancer and began choreographing in 1956. The Kirov appointed him ballet master in 1962.

He has been honorary president of UNESCO's Dance Committee, chair of the international ‘Benois de la Danse’ award, and has headed juries of international ballet competitions in Russia, the Ukraine, Bulgaria, Switzerland, and Japan.