Nijinsky, Vaslav Fomich (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 Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (1912) and Jeux (1913), and Stravinsky's Le Sacre du printemps/The Rite of Spring (1913).

Nijinsky 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.