The Original Tombstone Tourist finds the legendary ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev's grave

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Russian born Rudolf Nureyev is considered by many to be the greatest male ballet dancer of his generation. In addition to his technical prowess, Rudolf Nureyev was an accomplished choreographer serving as the chief choreographer of the Paris Opera Ballet where produced his own interpretations of numerous classical works including Swan Lake, Giselle, and La Bayadère.

Off stage, Nureyev was a figure of such singular charisma that can only be descibed as "The Look", especially when he’s in his prime: the sculpted cheekbones and slightly sunken hollows beneath them, the full lips and darkly knitted eyebrows, the gorgeous glower. From the moment he defected, the Western world was beset by Nureyev-mania complete with screaming fans, wild dinner parties and mobbed performances. You could make the case that Nureyev, often photographed onstage in heavy makeup, with thick mascara and gender-bending costumes, paved the way for the most revolutionary rock ‘n’ roller of the ’60s — Mick Jagger. But Nureyev got there first.

The wild parties and lifestyle caught up to him when in 1984 the dancer tested positive for HIV, but for several years he simply denied that anything was wrong with his health. However, by the late 1980s his diminished capabilities disappointed his admirers who had fond memories of his outstanding performances. Nureyev began a marked decline only in the summer of 1991 and entered the final phase of the disease in the spring of 1992. Nureyev entered the hospital Notre Dame du Perpétuel Secours in Levallois-Perret in November 1992 and remained there until his death from AIDS complications at age 54 on 6 January 1993. His funeral was held in the marble foyer of the Paris Garnier Opera House.

Nureyev's grave, at the Russian cemetery in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois near Paris, features a tomb draped in a mosaic of an Oriental carpet. Nureyev was an avid collector of beautiful carpets and antique textiles. As his coffin was lowered into the ground, music from the last act of Giselle was played and his ballet shoes were cast into the grave along with white lilies.

As you enter the Cimetière Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois walk down Avenue des Epiceas to Section Muguet. His elaborate tomb can be found on the left at the corner plot.

Video is courtesy of frequent contributor and Friend of the Original Tombstone Tourist Maude Carrard.

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