The philosophy of Mosaic Dance Fest is to bring the best from the world of classical ballet to Dubai's audience. On the second day of the fest, we are bringing the legacy of the legendary dancer and global celebrity Rudolph Nureyev to Dubai Opera on November 9.

"You live because you dance, you dance as long as you live" Rudolf Nureyev

The world's leading ballet stars will join together to celebrate the legacy of the legendary dancer Rudolf Nureyev. Widely regarded as the greatest ballet dancer ever, he transcended borders, and his performances popularized ballet with audiences throughout the world. Nureyev's unique artistry continues to influence and inspire ballet today.

In its first edition, the Mosaic International Dance Fest sets the stage for an exquisite fusion of ballet and modern choreography, captivating the UAE audience with a mesmerizing show full of artistry. Like a mosaic, the program will consist of very different ballets and performances that together form a single image.

Nureyev Legend and Legacy will feature a dazzling array of highlights from Nureyev's transformative career and also new pieces performed by an international cast of dancers from the most illustrious ballet companies, which include The Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Stuttgart Ballet, Ballet Zurich, the English National Ballet and others.

Set to be one of the ballet events of the decade, Nureyev Legend and Legacy give audiences a chance to experience the magic and mastery of Nureyev through a new generation of dancers. Truly a night that audiences will never forget.

This event is presented in association with the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation.

Performances of Nureyev Legend and Legacy has a video introduction by Ralph Fiennes, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker who directed and acted in The White Crow, which tells the story of Nureyev's defection from Russia to the West. This introduction will be live on the opening night, with a filmed version screened at the following performances.

Each piece has been chosen to represent a different aspect of Nureyev's incredible life and work, from the classical repertoire, which he so cared to preserve and give new impetus, to the contemporary pieces and choreographers, paying homage to Nureyev's desire to try new and expand his art to other forms of dance.

"A fascinating program from outstanding dancers" – The Times

“A fitting tribute to an extraordinary man” – The Guardian

“Excellence, talent and passion” – London Theatre Reviews

“Dynamic and magical” – Theatre Weekly