born Aug. 18, 1871, St. Petersburg, Russia
died Oct. 20, 1924, Moscow, Russia, U.S.S.R.
Russian dancer, choreographer, and influential director of the Bolshoi Ballet .
He trained in St. Petersburg and joined the Mariinsky Theatre , where he became a soloist in 1895. He directed several ballets before moving to Moscow in 1900 as lead dancer and stage manager of the Bolshoi. He reshaped the repertoire and introduced realism in scenery and costume, reviving interest in the company.