swan lake,Nureyev

I think you are very happy you have ever seen him on the stage. In any film the direct contact with the feeling expression is lost I think.
This is why I seldom show my dancing videos, I always invite people to see me dancing. That is absolutely different.

@dasa0302 excellent knowledgeable comment.

I believe you are right to a certain extent. Nijinsky was exceptional, his suspension technique was perhaps better than Rudolf's but Rudolf's legacy to ballet and his ideas on the balance that needed to be kept between male and female dancers on stage are vast and visionary. Besides Rudolf's sense of perception goes hand in hand with his exceptional artistic understanding.

Regardless of what some people like preciousbash might think, and they are entitled to an opinion, Rudolf was a brilliant artist who worked extremely hard to attain this level of technique. He is an inspiration for male dancers because he wanted to do so much more than just holding a ballerina elegantly, he fought for equality of artistry on stage and for that and his incredible ability he has become a legend.

precious bash you sound jealous. Nureyev is pure poetry in motion here -I fail to see any sloppiness as you put it. Care to clarify?

just who are these brilliant dancers? Do name a few for us and then advise us as to why international fame was not attained?

Sorry but you don't know what are you talk about. He was The Best in his Time. Amazing artist. ARTIST... Not only The best dancer in the world.
Don't try to take him out of his Era. is not onest to do so.
:-)

did he smoke?

I think toward the end of his life he did.