Erik Bruhn (full name Erik Belton Evers Bruhn) (October 3, 1928–April 1, 1986) was a Danish ballet dancer, choreographer, actor, and writer.

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, he began training with the Royal Danish Ballet at the age of nine. He later joined the company at the age of eighteen and was promoted to soloist two years later.

He was best known for his roles in La Syphide , Giselle, and Swan Lake, in which he combined subtle precision with a flair dance style.

He appeared in the 1952 movie Hans Christian Andersen.

He authored the book Beyond Technique (ISBN: 0384060862) with Fred Fehl .

On a tour of Denmark, Erik Bruhn met Rudolf Nureyev, a Russian political exile. Bruhn became Nureyev's lover, his closest friend, and his protector (mainly from his own folly) for many years. The relationship was a stormy one, for Nureyev was highly sexually promiscuous, but in its own way it was a very strong one.

He was director of the Swedish Opera Ballet from 1967 to 1973 and the National Ballet of Canada from 1983 to 1986.

His death in 1986 was attributed to lung cancer.

External links

• ABT Biography and Credits
• NYT Biography
• Ballet Encyclopedia
• The National Ballet of Canada Biography
• glbtq Biography