the Ballet
Ballet Encyclopedia

Sir Erik Bruhn

born: 1928
died: 1986

Danish. Started studying ballet at the Royal Danish Ballet School. Joined the Royal Danish Ballet in 1947, was made soloist in 1949.

Remained a permanent member of the Royal Danish Ballet until his retirement in 1974. Appeared with most of the world's major companies in both the East and West as a guest artist. Was director of the Royal Swedish Ballet from 1963-1972.

He started producing for the National Ballet of Canada in 1970. Accomplished choreographer of original works and reworkings of the classics. Co-authored Bournonville and the Ballet Technique. Was knighted in 1963.