Anna Pavlova is one of the most famous names in ballet. Often referred to by historians as the most influential ballet dancer who ever lived, the Russian-born Pavlova began her career at the Mariinsky Theatre after graduating from the Imperial Ballet School. While Pavolva’s thin ankles and long limbs were not typical for ballerina’s of her time, her talent quickly catapulted her up the ranks. She eventually caught the attention of iconic choreographer Marius Petipa, who made her Prima Ballerina after her performance of Giselle in 1906. Pavlova would then travel the world, educating and inspiring countless people to become dancers. She is most notable for her work in the Imperial Russian Ballet and the Ballet Russes of Sergei Diaghilve. Pavlova also originated and helped create the iconic role of The Dying Swan, which is often credited as her largest contribution to the art of ballet.

Watch Anna Pavlova dance here

Margot Fonteyn

Margot Fonteyn (Photo courtesy of Looney Toons Fandom)

Maria Tallchief is one of the trailblazing names in ballet. She wasn’t only America’s first major prima ballerina, but was also the first Native American to hold the rank. Born into the Osage Nation of Fairfax, Oklahoma, Tallchief began dancing at the age of three. She moved to New York City during her teen years, where she danced with the Russe de Monte Carlo. She eventually developed a close friendship and fruitful artistic partnership with choreographer George Balanchine. He would eventually make her first star of the New York City Ballet after co-founding it in 1946. Balanchine and Tallchief would marry for a short number of years. During their partnership, they would collaborate on creating a number of iconic roles. Tallchief originated the electrifying lead role in The Firecracker. She would also play the Sugar Plum Fairy in Balanchine’s seminal version of The Nutcracker, which would help turn the ballet into the Christmas classic it is today. Tallchief’s accolades include a Kennedy Center Honor and a National Medal of Arts.

Watch Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev dance here

British-born dancer Margot Fonteyn spent her career as a dancer with The Royal Ballet, and has since been credited in making it the powerhouse it is today. She was eventually appointed Prima Ballerina Assoluta by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the highest honor given to a female ballet dancer who has defined their generation. Fonteyn began dancing at the age of four. After learning to dance under George Goncharov in China, she was invited to join the Royal Ballet at fourteen years old. Her performance as Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty is said to be the ideal Fonteyn role, as it showcased her “perfect lines”. Fonteyn continued to dance well into her 50s, performing Giselle in 1962, where she collaborated with the legendary Rudolf Nureyev. The dancer is also notable for having one of the longest careers in ballet. She retired at the age of 60 in 1979.

Watch Maria Tallchief dance here

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland (Photo by Henry Leutwyler)

The most contemporary name on our list is Misty Copeland, who became the first African-American woman to become principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). While Copeland was a child prodigy at 13, her early years were complicated. Her mother and her ballet teachers went to court over custody of the young dancer. Eventually, Copeland filed for emancipation from her mother. Her talent caught the eye of ABT, where she studied on full scholarship. She worked her way up the ranks, performing leading roles in ballet such as Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake, and Don Quixote. Her historic promotion to principal dancer in 2015 was only the beginning of her trailblazing career. She would be named by Time magazine as one of the World’s Most Influential People (appearing on the cover), wrote two autobiographical books, and performed on Broadway, concert tours, and a variety of reality television shows.

Watch Misty Copeland dance here