10 Best Male Ballet Dancers: Icons of Grace and Strength

Ballet centers a world of grace, power, and storytelling, which defy gravity and express complex narratives through movement.

So, masters of movement—the male ballet dancers have graced the dance with their exceptional moves and skill. Surpassing the stereotype that ballet dance is confined to females, some males have etched indelible marks, deserving a spotlight.

This comprehensive guide highlights some of the male ballet dancers throughout history and today, exploring their best works, accolades, contributions they’ve made to ballet, and the influence they continue to have on the art form.

List of Top Male Ballet Dancers

1: Mikhail Baryshnikov

Date of Birth: January 27, 1948, Riga, Soviet Union

Best Works:

• Variations from Coppelia
• Variations from Don Quixote
• Variations from The Nutcracker
• Variations from Giselle
• The Turning Point Variations

Accolades:

• Gold Medal in Varna International Ballet Competition
• Nijinsky Prize, Paris
• Award from Dance Magazine
• National Arts Award
• George and Judy Marcus Prize for Lifetime Achievement
• Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award

Mikhail Baryshnikov is famed as the leading male classical ballet dancer during the 1970s and 1980s. Along with dancing, he has also shown his expertise in acting and choreography. Widely recognized as one of the most excellent male ballet dancers, Baryshnikov began his ballet training at age 12. He quickly gained recognition, winning in the junior division of the Varna International Ballet Competition.

Despite early setbacks due to his shorter stature, Baryshnikov’s versatility, technical mastery, and dynamic personality made him overcome barriers and redefine ballet standards. He performed with the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), where he later served as artistic director.

Known for his versatility, Baryshnikov has expanded his talents beyond classical ballet. He excelled in jazz dance, and as a blend of modern and postmodern sensibilities, he has also made his mark as a choreographer, teacher, and company director. His career remains a powerful influence in the world of dance, making him one of the male ballet dancers.

2: Sergei Polunin

Date of Birth: November 29, 1989, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union

Best Works:

• Take Me to Church
• Le Corsaire Variation & Coda
• Don Quixote Solo
• Giselle

Accolades:

• Winner of Serge Lifar International Ballet Competition
• Gold Medal and Audience Award
• Winner of Youth America Grand Prix /YAGP
• Young British Dancer of the Year in the UK
• Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards
• Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards

Sergei Polunin has always referred to himself as Russian despite holding Ukrainian, Russian, and Serbian citizenship. He first trained as a gymnast before beginning ballet at the age of eight, studying at the Kyiv State Choreographic Institute. At 13, he moved to London to get trained at the Royal Ballet School. In 2010, at just 20 years old, Polunin became the Royal Ballet’s youngest-ever male principal. However, he resigned two years later, expressing that “the artist in me is dying.”

Polunin first gained international recognition for his role as the Slavemaster/Shepherd in The Phantom of the Opera’s 25th Anniversary performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

His dance style reflects the influence of both Russian and England training. From Russia, he draws on classical training with its precise technique and clean lines, while from England, he incorporates expressive acting and emotional depth into each movement.

3: Roberto Bolle

Date of Birth: March 26, 1975, Casale Monferrato, Italy

Best Works:

• Sylvia
• Notre-Dame de Paris
• Grand Gala
• Romeo and Juliet

Accolades:

• Principal dancer at La Scala
• Principal dancer with New York’s American Ballet Theatre

Roberto Bolle, recognized as one of the male ballet dancers, has nurtured a passion for ballet since childhood. He was accepted at the La Scala Theatre (a ballet school) in Milan at 12, and his international career took off at 20 when he starred as Romeo. Following this performance, Elizabeth Terabust promoted him to principal dancer at La Scala. Bolle went on to become a principal dancer with New York’s American Ballet Theatre as well.

As an international star, Bolle has been invited to perform at the most renowned theaters in the world—the Mariinsky, Bolshoi, Opéra de Paris, and the Metropolitan Opera House—venues reserved for only the most celebrated étoiles. Known for his expressive, narrative style of dance, Bolle has captivated audiences around the globe.

Beyond ballet, Bolle has demonstrated his versatility through appearances in fashion and style magazines and has been featured in high-profile advertising campaigns.

4: Carlos Acosta

Date of Birth: June 2, 1973, Havana, Cuba

Best Works:

• Albrecht in Giselle
• Basilio in Don Quixote
• Siegfried in Swan Lake
• Prince in The Nutcracker

Accolades:

• Gold Medal at the Prix de Lausanne
• Vignale Danza Prize in Italy
• Frédéric Chopin Prize simodanza Prize, Italy
• Olivier Award (Nominated)
• Prix de Lausanne Lifetime Achievement Award

Carlos Acosta, a Cuban-British retired ballet dancer, is currently the director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet. His career is a testament to his dedication and hard work, which propelled him to international fame. Acosta has performed with some of the world’s leading ballet companies, including the English National Ballet, Houston Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba, and American Ballet Theatre.

Growing up in poverty, Acosta overcame significant challenges and studied ballet at the Cuban National Ballet School. He graduated with top honors and received a gold medal.

Acosta’s performances have often drawn comparisons to legends like Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolf Nureyev. Known for his joy in dancing and his ability to convey deep emotion, his style blends grace and athleticism, making him an inspirational figure in ballet.

5: Julio Bocca

Date of Birth: March 6, 1967, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Best Works:

• Broadway musical Fosse
• Tango (film)

Accolades:

• Gold Medal, Fifth International Ballet Competition (Moscow)
• Dancer of the Year 1987 (New York Times)
• Best International Classic Dancer (Barcelona)

Julio Bocca, an Argentine Ballet dancer, is a renowned name among the best male ballet dancers. He began learning ballet at the age of four and went on to study at the National School of Dance at seven, followed by the Advanced Arts Institute at Teatro Colón a year later, where he refined his ballet technique.

In 1981, Bocca joined the Chamber Ballet Company at Teatro Colón, but soon, he started as a soloist under the direction of Danish choreographer Flemming Flindt. His talent quickly gained recognition, and he became the youngest principal dancer ever hired by the American Ballet Theatre.

Bocca performed with top global companies, including the Royal Ballet, Kirov Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, and more. Known for blending ballet with tango, jazz, and modern dance, he brought a unique versatility that mesmerized audiences worldwide.

6: Marcelo Gomes

Date of Birth: September 26, 1979, Amazonas, Brazil

Best Works:

• Sinatra Suite
• Coppelia
• Swan Lake – Von Rothbart
• Giselle

Accolades:

• Awarded second place at the National Society of Arts and Letters
• Hope Prize at Lausanne

Marcelo Gomes, a Brazilian ballet dancer, has made a lasting impact on the ballet world, dedicating 20 years to the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Beginning ballet at the age of five, Gomes was trained at the Helena Lobato and Dalal Achcar ballet schools. He later honed his craft at The HARID Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, and pursued additional training at the ballet schools of Boston, Houston, and Cuballet.

Over the course of his career, Gomes performed as a guest artist with reputated companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet, and The Royal Ballet, showcasing his technical prowess and artistry on stages worldwide.

In addition to his achievements as a dancer, Gomes is also known for his choreography, contributing works to ABT, Kings of the Dance, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and other notable ensembles.

7: Daniil Simkin

Date of Birth: October 12, 1987, Novosibirsk, Russian SFSR

Best Works:

• Don Quixote
• Swan Lake
• Shadowplay

Accolades:

• Grand Prix, Fifth International Ballet Competition
• First Prize Senior for Best Male Dancer
• First Prize and Gold Medal in the 21st International Ballet Competition
• Gloria Grand Prix, International Ballet Competition
• Men’s Senior Gold Medal in USA International Ballet Competition

Daniil Simkin, born into a family of dancers, was raised in an environment steeped in ballet. He initially trained with his mother. His professional ballet career began in 2006 at the Vienna State Opera, where he joined as a demi-soloist.

Simkin gained international recognition at age 19 for his role as Basil in Don Quixote, performing with distinguished partners such as Maria Kochetkova and Isabella Boylston. Known for his extraordinary technical skill, he became the first dancer to perform three consecutive 540s in a row.

Today, Simkin is one of the leading male ballet dancers worldwide. His influence extends beyond performance; he is also recognized as a cultural innovator and creative director. As an international principal dancer, Simkin performs leading roles across both classical and contemporary ballet repertoires.

In 2024, Simkin released “one”, which is a cinematic dance experience and was showcased at Danced on Camera at Lincoln Center.

8: Manuel Legris

Date of Birth: October 10, 1964, Paris, France

Best Works:

• Sleeping Beauty
• L’histoire de Manon
• Romeo and Juliet
• Carmen

Accolades:

• Nijinsky Award
• Officer of Arts and Letters
• Knight of the Order of Merit
• Knight of the Legion of Honour
• Gold medal at the Osaka Ballet Competition

Manuel Legris, a French ballet dancer, began his ballet training at the age of eight with a local teacher. By the age of 11, he joined the Paris Opera Ballet School, where he developed his foundational skills and artistry.

In 1996, Legris founded his own occasional touring group aimed at providing performance opportunities for young dancers. In 2010, he took on the role of artistic director of the Vienna State Opera Ballet and its affiliated school, furthering his commitment to nurturing talent.

Making a name amongst male ballet dancers, Legris is known for his versatility in both classical and contemporary ballet, attracting the attention of influential choreographers like John Neumeier, William Forsythe, Jerome Robbins, and Jiří Kylián. His skill and command of the stage have solidified his reputation as a versatile and influential figure in the world of ballet.

9: Isaac Hernández

Date of Birth: April 30, 1990, Guadalajara, Mexico

Best Works:

• Don Quixote
• La Sylphide
• Romeo and Juliet
• Giselle

Accolades:

• Alexandra Radius Award for Most Outstanding Dancer
• Gold Medal in USA International Ballet Competition
• First place in the Cuba International Competition

Isaac Hernández, a renowned Mexican ballet dancer, actor, and guest artist with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), is celebrated for his dedication, discipline, and technical prowess. Known for his exceptional pirouettes and triple tours en l’air (a jump in which the dancer performs three spins before landing), Hernández’s performances showcase both his technical mastery and expressive artistry.

Early in his career, Hernández trained at the Harkness Ballet and performed with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Houston Ballet. In 2024, he joined ABT, and in January 2025, Hernández will make history as he is set to become one of ABT’s principal dancers, the first dancer of Mexican descent to achieve this title in the company’s 85-year history.

10: Herman Cornejo

Date of Birth: May 13, 1981, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Best Works:

• Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet

Accolades:

• Bessie Award
• Prix Benois de la Danse

Herman Cornejo, hailed as “the most technically accomplished male ballet dancer in the United States,” by The New Yorker, has captivated audiences with his remarkable technique and charismatic stage presence. Originally from Argentina, Cornejo is a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT).

His rise to prominence began when he was selected for the role of the Bronze Idol in Natalia Makarova’s production of La Bayadère in Japan. In 2000, he was promoted to soloist, and by 2003, he achieved the rank of principal dancer. Since then, Cornejo has taken on numerous major roles, consistently showcasing his exceptional talent.

Expanding his influence, Cornejo has also performed as a guest artist with renowned companies such as the Ballet Estable del Teatro Colón, Universal Ballet of Korea, and the Kremlin Ballet. His career reflects both technical prowess and a dedication to elevating ballet on an international scale.