**Yuri Grigorovich: A Choreographic Legend in Russian Ballet Passes at 98**

**Grigorovich, revered for his transformative productions, played a pivotal role in shaping Soviet ballet and inspiring generations of dancers.**

Acclaimed Russian ballet choreographer Yuri Grigorovich has passed away at the age of 98, marking the end of an era in the world of dance. Often hailed as one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century, Grigorovich served as the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 until 1995. His leadership style was described as authoritative, and he was known for his deep commitment to expanding the boundaries of classical ballet.

Grigorovich is credited with redefining the art form through hallmark productions such as "Ivan the Terrible," "Romeo and Juliet," and "The Stone Flower," which showcased complex narratives and emphasized the vitality of male dancers, creating roles that demanded exceptional strength and artistry. Born in 1927, shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution, Grigorovich's work was deeply rooted in traditional ballet, as his uncle, Georgy Rozai, trained under the iconic dancer Vaslav Nijinsky. He began his career as a soloist with the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad before transitioning to choreography.

In 1995, he left the Bolshoi amidst conflicts concerning performer contracts, inciting the theatre's first-ever dancers' strike in its 200-year history, which stunned audiences when a dancer announced the cancellation of a scheduled performance. "The Stone Flower" was celebrated as his most recognizable piece, with a backdrop of folk tales scored by Sergei Prokofiev.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Bolshoi Ballet experienced tumult, prompting Grigorovich to establish a new ballet company in Krasnodar. He returned to the Bolshoi in 2008, where he continued to influence the industry as a choreographer and ballet master. His contributions earned him numerous accolades including the titles People's Artist of the USSR and Hero of Socialist Labour.

The ballet community mourned Grigorovich's passing, which coincided with the death of celebrated dancer Yuri Vladimirov, a frequent collaborator. Valery Gergiev, the current head of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, expressed that Grigorovich's legacy would resonate for many years, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the world of dance.