Ballet Dancer. He was a Russian-born ballet dancer and choreographer of the 20th century, who received international acclaim. Born Rudolf Khametovich Nureyev, the only son of a Red Army commissar, he was encouraged to dance in Bashkir folk festivals, where his talent became apparent. He enrolled in the Vaganova Choreographic Institute in 1955, where he was quickly recognized as one of the greatest dancers the school had seen in many years. A rebellious student, he refused to join the Communist youth group and learned English in secret. As a remarkable ballet dancer, he was allowed the privilege of travel abroad. During a tour of Paris in 1961, he broke the rule against mingling with foreigners, and was told he would be sent home. Realizing he would never be free of the Communist Iron Curtain; he defected on June 17, 1961 in Paris, seeking political asylum. Within months, he joined the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas, and was an instant celebrity. His dramatic defection, astonishing skill, and dashing good looks gained him international fame, which gave him the power to choose where and with whom he would dance. His American debut was in 1962, appearing on American television with the Chicago Ballet. Relocating to England, he joined the Royal Ballet, which would remain his base for the rest of his dancing career. His flying leaps and fast turns in the performances with Margot Fonteyn in "Swan Lake" and "Giselle" became legendary. He began his acting career in 1962, but lacked the talent or temperament to be a serious actor. He appeared in the 1977 American film "Valentino" and in a non-dancing role in the 1983 American film "Exposed." He did do film directing and appeared on stage in "The King and I" in 1989. As a choreographer for the Royal Ballet, his first production was the last act of "La Bayadere" in November of 1963, and his first reconstruction the 19th-century three-act classic "Raymonda" in June of 1964. His beauty, charm, and talent caused him to be forgiven for many things, as he was known to be a very difficult man. He was impulsive, moody, unreliable, and rude. After acquiring wealth with his fame, he mixed socially with the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Andy Warhol, and had very little time for non-celebrities. Nureyev became an Austrian citizen in 1982. In 1983 he became the dance director of the Paris Opera Ballet, a position he held until 1989. In 1989 he returned to the Soviet Union and dances "La Sylphide" at the Kirov Theatre in Leningrad. He contracted HIV in the early 80's, but denied any illness. By 1990 it became undeniable he was seriously ill. His last performance, at the Palais Garnier in 1992, earned him France's highest cultural award, the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Artes et Lettres. He also received Dance Magazine Award of 1973. He died as a result of AIDS a few months later at the age of 54. His autobiography, "Nureyev," was published in 1962. The Rudolf Nureyev Endowed Fund was established in his honor to provide need-based financial support to students enrolled at Florida's Harid Conservatory.