Trivia

Initially, the producers of The Muppet Show (1976) had such difficulty casting guest stars that they had to call upon all their personal friends in the entertainment industry for help. This changed dramatically after Nureyev's guest appearance. The publicity of a renowned ballet dancer appearing on such a bizarre show created such positive publicity that the show became popular and soon celebrities were lining up to appear on the show.

He kept every single pair of ballet slippers he had ever owned. It was rumored that it was because he was superstitious, when in fact, it was merely sentimental value.

He started dancing with Dame Margot Fonteyn when she was almost twice his age. Despite this, he only died two years after her.

He didn't actually start taking ballet class until he was 11.

His long-time romantic partner at the time of his death was fellow danseur Erik Bruhn.

He inspired American ballerinas Cynthia Gregory and Gelsey Kirkland to take up ballet professionally after they both saw him dance, and eventually went onto partner with them.

There was much speculation as to whether or not he and Dame Margot Fonteyn ever consummated their longtime relationship. Nureyev says they did. Fonteyn says they never did.

Sir Kenneth MacMillan of the Royal Ballet of London choreographed" Romeo & Juliet" specifically for the two of them.

It was Dame Ninette de Valois who offered him a contract to join The Royal Ballet as Principal Dancer right away.

He is commemorated with a Blue Plaque at 27 Victoria Road, Kensington which is where he regularly stayed.

Was not even thirty when he was being touted as "the greatest living male dancer."

Was actually a closeted homosexual at a time when it was considered immoral and even illegal. His repression of his true nature forced him to keep his relationships shrouded in secrecy and made him a very hostile and angry man. He remained closeted all the way to his death.

Is portrayed by Michiel Huisman in Margot.

His inspiration to dance and perform ballet occurred when he went with his mother and sisters performance of "Song of the Cranes".

At the time of his death, he was the Artistic Director as well as orchestral conductor for the Paris Opera.

Sir Frederick Ashton of the Royal Ballet of London choreographed "Marguerite and Armand" specifically for the two of them.