Vaslav Nijinsky Walking Contradiction

Vaslav Nijinsky: A Walking Contradiction The life of Vaslav Nijinsky began in Kiev, Ukraine. Nijinsky’s rise to fame in the world of dance could be seen as nothing less than expected, considering both of his parents found their own success as dancers. Nijinsky spent the majority of his early life being trained in ballet, and by age 18, had secured leading roles in the Mariinsky Theater (New Era). Later in life, Nijinsky became an iconic figure in dance. His talent as a dancer and a choreographer would live on even after his death. The purpose of this paper is to look past the fame, to the person. Research into Nijinsky’s life shows him as a quiet man, often solitary and withdrawn. Plagued by schizophrenia, suffering through a nervous breakdown, dealing with unsuccessful attempts at treatment, and living out a large portion of his life in various mental hospitals. These ideas
In the beginning of his life, he faced pressure to exceed the talent of his parents, and becomes something great. When he achieved the success his parents desired for him, he found Diaghilev, who used his authority and relationship to manipulate Nijinsky into becoming his ideal performer and lover. After Diaghilev sent him on his way, Nijinsky got caught up with a Romola, who kept him set to a high standard, and used his image for her own reputation. Because of these influences, and the struggle going on inside his psyche, Vaslav Nijinsky lived his life as a walking contradiction. A performer of power, a person of timidity. A dancer with strength, a fragile man. A choreographer basking in the light of progress and controversy, a patient who rarely chose to speak. Vaslav Nijinsky used his outlet of dance and choreography to prove to himself to his parents, his partners, and the public. When words failed, art displayed the inner yearnings of a man badly prepared for