Lichine, David

David Lichine (1910-1972) was a noted choreographer, teacher, and dancer. He was born in Rostov-on-Don, in Russia. His family left Russia during the revolution and settled in Constantinople. He was later sent to Paris for his education, studying dance in Paris with Lubov Egorova and Bronislava Nijinska.

He made his debut with Ida Rubinstein's Company in 1928 and with Anna Pavlova's company in 1930. Lichine danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo from 1932 to 1945, where he met and began dancing with Tatiana Riabouchinska. While with Ballet Russe, he created roles in George Balanchine's Cotillion and Le Bourgeois, and Massine's Jeux d'Enfants, Le Beau Danube and Beach (all in 1932) among many others. Lichine began work as a choreographer in 1933. His many ballets included Francesca de Rimini in 1937, Prodigal Son in 1938 and Graduation Ball in 1940.

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