5 Facts About Rudolf Nureyev

1. In 1962, Rudolf Nureyev made his screen debut in a film version of Les Sylphides.

2. In July 1992, Rudolf Nureyev showed renewed signs of pericarditis but determined to forswear further treatment.

3. In 1973, Rudolf Nureyev met the 23-year-old American dancer and classical arts student Robert Tracy and a two-and-a-half-year love affair began.

4. In one memorable incident, Rudolf Nureyev interrupted a performance of Don Quixote for 40 minutes, insisting on dancing in tights and not in the customary trousers.

5. Upon his graduation in 1958, Rudolf Nureyev joined the Kirov Ballet.