Moscow: The renowned Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, of Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet, has died at the age of 98. His death was announced today by the Bakhrushin State Central Theatre Museum in Moscow, which has often organized exhibitions on the life and work of the ballet master.

According to Oman News Agency, Yuri Grigorovich was born on 2 January 1927 in Leningrad, now known as St Petersburg. He played a pivotal role in shaping Soviet and Russian ballet for decades at the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Grigorovich was renowned for his choreography of Khachaturian’s “Spartacus” and Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” at the Bolshoi Theatre, among many other significant works. His adaptations of the ballets “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty” are celebrated worldwide.

Grigorovich led the world’s largest ballet company for more than 30 years, a tenure marked by numerous acclaimed productions and innovations. In 1991, he founded the Benois de la Danse ballet prize, which annually honors the most significant dance performances of the past year at a prestigious gala event.

In 2008, Grigorovich made a notable return to the Bolshoi at the age of 81 to take up a permanent role leading new soloists, staging new productions, and maintaining the repertoire. This return followed his resignation in 1995 after a disagreement over the artistic direction of the Bolshoi. His contributions to ballet have left an indelible mark on the world of dance.