Serge Lifar (1905 - 1986)

Serge Lifar

Serge Lifar (russian:Сергей Лифарь), real name Sergei Mikhailovich Lifar (Сергей Михайлович Лифарь), was a French ballet dancer, collector, and artist of Russian origin.

Born in Kiev, he emigrated to France in 1923 and danced in Diaghilev's Russian Seasons until 1929, becoming the leading soloist. He later became premier of the Paris Opera, and for many years led the theater's ballet troupe. Lifar also lectured on the history and theory of ballet, and was the founder of the Paris Choreography University and the University of Dance.

At the age of 65, Lifar showed his talent as an artist. He created more than a hundred original paintings and drawings, the main subject of which is ballet, dance and movement in general.