Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Vaslav Nijinsky: A Russian-born ballet dancer and choreographer of Polish descent, widely regarded as one of the most gifted and influential male dancers in history. He was celebrated for his extraordinary technical prowess, particularly his ability to leap and appear to hover in the air, and for his intense, dramatic characterizations.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Vaslav Nijinsky revolutionized male ballet dancing in the early 20th century.
  • The diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky provide a profound insight into his artistic mind.
  • Many consider his performance in "Le Spectre de la Rose" to be Vaslav Nijinsky's most iconic role.

Advanced Usage

• "A Nijinsky": Used attributively to describe a male dancer of exceptional athletic and artistic ability.
  • He was hailed as the new Nijinsky for his phenomenal jumps.

Variants and Related Words

• Nijinskian (adj): Relating to or characteristic of Vaslav Nijinsky's style of dance or choreography.
  • The solo had a distinctly Nijinskian quality of angular, grounded movement.

Synonyms

• The greatest dancer of the 20th century (as per reference definition).
• A virtuoso of ballet.
• A legendary premier danseur.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To leap like Nijinsky: To jump with extraordinary height and grace.
  • The young prodigy could leap like Nijinsky, astonishing the entire audience.

Noun

1. Russian dancer considered by many to be the greatest dancer of the 20th century (1890-1950)