Ballet Dancer. He was a Danish-born ballet dancer of the 20th century. Born Belton Evers, he trained at the Royal Danish Ballet School from 1937, joining their company in 1947. With his flawlessly clean technique, he was promoted to soloist in 1949. He stayed closely associated with the company, but his frequent guesting found him mainly in the United States, working with many of the big companies. At the American Ballet Theatre, he was a partner of Alicia Markova and Carla Fracci with whom he developed a legendary partnership. He was superb in his role of Albrecht in "Giselle" but also fine in "La Sylphide". He was a premier danseur noble but also a great character artist in his later years and excelled in modern roles. In 1968 he published "Beyond Technique." In 1967 he was appointed director of ballet at the Royal Swedish Opera House, a position that he held until 1972. In 1972 he was chiefly associated with Canada's National Ballet, first as an assistant director from 1973 to 1981, and then as director from 1983 until his death. He became a Knight of Danneborg in 1963 and received the Nijinsky prize in Paris the same year. Until his death of lung cancer, he had a close 25-year relationship with dancer Rudolf Nureyev. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest male dancers of the 20th century according to his "New York Times" obituary. His grave is unmarked.
Ballet Dancer. He was a Danish-born ballet dancer of the 20th century. Born Belton Evers, he trained at the Royal Danish Ballet School from 1937, joining their company in 1947. With his flawlessly clean technique, he was promoted to soloist in 1949. He stayed closely associated with the company, but his frequent guesting found him mainly in the United States, working with many of the big companies. At the American Ballet Theatre, he was a partner of Alicia Markova and Carla Fracci with whom he developed a legendary partnership. He was superb in his role of Albrecht in "Giselle" but also fine in "La Sylphide". He was a premier danseur noble but also a great character artist in his later years and excelled in modern roles. In 1968 he published "Beyond Technique." In 1967 he was appointed director of ballet at the Royal Swedish Opera House, a position that he held until 1972. In 1972 he was chiefly associated with Canada's National Ballet, first as an assistant director from 1973 to 1981, and then as director from 1983 until his death. He became a Knight of Danneborg in 1963 and received the Nijinsky prize in Paris the same year. Until his death of lung cancer, he had a close 25-year relationship with dancer Rudolf Nureyev. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest male dancers of the 20th century according to his "New York Times" obituary. His grave is unmarked.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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