Famous Dancers

A famous Russian ballet dancer. She is best known for changing the ideals for ballet dancers, as she was small and thin, not the preferred body of a ballerina during her time. She is also credited for creating the modern pointe shoe.

• Anna Pavlova

• Mikhail Baryshnikov

Known as the best living male ballet dancer. He is a famous Russian dancer who has had roles in film.

• Mikhail Baryshnikov

• Rudolf Nureyev

Russian ballet dancer who is often regarded as the greatest ballet dancer of the 1960s and 1970s. He died in 1993.

• Michael Jackson

• Rudolf Nureyev

Pop star of the 1980s, he wowed audiences with eye-popping dance moves, notably one called the "moonwalk."

• Fred Astaire

• Michael Jackson

An American dancer who was remembered mostly for his tap dancing ability. He began tap dancing at the age of 4.

• Sammy Davis, Jr.

• Michael Jackson

A famous American film and Broadway dancer. He is well known for starring with Ginger Rogers in musical films.

• Fred Astaire

• Patrick Swayze

An American dancer and choreographer known as the pioneer of modern dance. This dancer dared to introduce new, modern dance moves to the world.

• Gene Kelly

• Martha Graham

An American dancer who is remembered for his highly energetic and athletic dancing style. He is well known for his performance in Singin' in the Rain.

• Gene Kelly

• Patrick Swayze

A well known American dancer and actor. He starred as a dance instructor in the popular movie Dirty Dancing.

• Patrick Swayze

• Michael Jackson

An African-American dancer and choreographer. He is remembered by many as a modern dance genius. His spiritual and gospel background, along with his desire to enlighten and entertain, formed the background of his unique choreography.

• Bob Fossee

• Alvin Ailey