Dame Margot Fonteyn co-starred with which Soviet defector, known for his impact on ballet?

• A. Rudolph Nureyev
• B. Mikhail Baryshnikov
• C. Vaslav Nijinsky
• D. Sergei Prokofiev

Answer: (A)

Rudolph Nureyev’s defection in 1961 brought a bold, electrifying partnering energy to the Royal Ballet, and his collaboration with Dame Margot Fonteyn became one of the defining partnerships in ballet. Nureyev’s fearless technique, dramatic intensity, and magnetic stage presence complemented Fonteyn’s refined musicality and regal authority, creating performances that pushed technical boundaries while conveying deep emotional storytelling. Their work together elevated international interest in ballet and reshaped what audiences could expect from a leading pair. The other names come from different contexts: Nijinsky was from an earlier era, Prokovyev was a composer, and Baryshnikov is a later figure who, while also a notable defector, did not form the same iconic, long-standing partnership with Fonteyn.