Alexander Godunov: Ballet Rock Star

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With dynamic athleticism and abundant charisma, Alexander Godunov made his mark as one of the leading male dancers of the 1970s and early 1980s. His variations were a whirlwind of powerful turns and leaps in showpiece variations such as Don Quixote and Le Corsaire. Added to his persona was his status as a Soviet defector in 1979, joining Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov; to many of Godunov's fans, his dancing was unrivaled.
Godunov had one characteristic the others did not: very tall for a dancer at 6 foot 4 inches with long blond shoulder-length hair, he looked like a rock star. Looking at photos of Godunov in the 1980s, Godunov is indistinguishable from any charismatic frontman of a significant rock and roll band with appearances in major movies with A-list Hollywood elites in the 1980s, celebrity girlfriend, and hoards of paparattzi. Unfortunately, he also shared another characteristic with megastars: substance abuse and addiction. He ultimately succumbed to this temptation at only 45 years of age. This video focuses on Godunov's stellar dancing, revealing a unique combination of athletic prowess and refined technique.
Many thanks to Stephen Nelson for many helpful comments on a draft version.
A commenter on another Godunov video made a reference to Godunov as "ballet rock star." The characterization resonated with me and it is the theme of this video. Apologies, but I did not remember the identity of the commenter.
Video Sources
Godunov Variations Классические дуэты. Нина Тимофеева (1976) • Классические дуэты. Ни...
Lyudmila Vlasova trip back to Soviet Union after Godunov defection: www.britishpathe.com/asset/12...
Godunov in the movies: Witness (9/9) Movie CLIP - Right of Way (1985) HD @MOVIECLIPS ; Witness (1985) - 'Building the Barn' scene @ScreenThemes ; The Money Pit - "I'm shallow and self-centered, but you?" @danielc.9585 ; Die Hard - McClane vs. Karl Fight Scene (1080p) ‪@VeeXXL‬; Alexander Gudonov for "Die Hard" 1988 - Bobbie Wygant Archive @bobbiewygantarchive
Godunov in Don Quixote later in his career: Natalia Makarova & Alexander Godunov - Don Q PDD, @habanero0494
Godunov in Le Corsaire: Alexander Godunov, Corsaire, @magnumSuper
Photos
Bono singing in Indianapolis on Joshua Tree Tour 2017, Wikipedia
Alexander Godunov, Die Hard, 1988, Allstar Picture Library Limited, Alamy Stock Photo
Godunov and Baryshnikov at Riga State Riga State Choreographic School: www.ladancechronicle.com/worl...
Igor Moiseyev from the April 1961 issue of Dance Magazine, Wikipedia
Bolshoi Theatre, front facade view at night, in Moscow, Wikipedia, Dmitriy Guryanov
Yuri Grigorovich, Art Director of Bolshoi, Wikipedia
Jacqueline Bisset and Alexander Godunov color photo: 1981 Credit: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch Alamy Stock Photo
Jacqueline Bissett and Alexander Godunov black and white photo at the New York's Hilton Hotel for a Galaxy of Stars to CelebrationPhoto by Adam Scull/PHOTOlink/MediaPunch/Almay Stock Photo
Jacqueline Bisset and Alexander Godunov leaving Heathrow 1984, David Parker / Alamy Stock Photo
Mikhail Baryshnikov, The Turning Pointe, 1977, Allstar Picture Library Limited. / Alamy Stock Photo
Rudolf Nureyev in his dressing room at the Royal Ballet School, Wikipedia, Allan Warren
Alexander Godunov at the 2nd Moscow International Ballet Dancers Competition, SPUTNIK / Alamy
Stock Photo
Alexander Godunov leaving U.S. Court House, March 4, 1987 in New York, after he took the oath of allegiance to become an American citizen. Godunov, AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler
Liza Minnelli, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alexander Godunov, April 20, 1982, Bettmann / Contributor, Getty Images
Biographical Info
Wikipedia, "Alexander Godunov"
New York Times, "American Ballet Theater Signs Godunov for ‘79‐80," October 3, 1979
New York Times, "Godunov Leaving Troupe," June 5, 1982
UPI Archives, "Godunov 'hurt' that Misha didn't break news of ABT firing," June 11, 1982
New York Times, "Alexander Godunov, Dancer And Film Actor, Dies at 45," May 19, 1995
Los Angeles Times, "Bolshoi Dancer, Actor Alexander Godunov Dies," May 20, 1995
Deseret News, "Alcoholism Blamed in Death of Russian Ballet Star, Godunov," May 20, 1995
Lyudmila Vlasova comments about Godunov: "Whatever happened to... Alexander Godunov?"
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8 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 57

@gonefishing167 Месяц назад

Thank you so much. He was the most marvellous dancer. So sad he passed so young. 🩰🩰🩰🙏🙏👵🇦🇺

@MartaCox-c9u 28 дней назад

I believe that he was the greatest male dancer of all generations!

@ellerivendale3290 Месяц назад

he was my favorite of the three. more power, more expression, more humor.

@gabitrofingt 6 дней назад

...si al meu ,e unic si de neegalat.....no ofense....!

@user-ck1dj8pr8p 7 дней назад

Спасибо за фильм о Александре Годунове! Лучший из лучших.

@svetademina2206 4 дня назад

Большое спасибо за видео! Александр Годунов - это лучший артист балета, это талант и красота. Александра.

@KentGBecker 3 дня назад

Thanks for tuning in!

@richardcleveland8549 Месяц назад

Gawd, WHAT a dancer! Absolutely incredible the way he hurled himself into the air and across the stage! Stunning, astounding, amazing! A great, great pity that he died so young.

@brandongriffith7862 Месяц назад

Wonderful! I love that you finally covered this Russian powerhouse. You can still see his influence on Russian ballet today, particularly on Bolshoi principal Igor Tsvirko.

@KentGBecker Месяц назад

Interesting. I've never seen Tsvirko. Will check him out

@wendelinharrison9571 Месяц назад

Just freaking amazing!!! He had more to give💔

@user-ju2nh9bj7j Месяц назад

Большое спасибо за этот фильм. Просто невероятный магнетизм и пластика. А эти прыжки с парением в воздухе и мягкое и точное приземление! Услада для моих глаз! Мечта его сбылась, и талант Годунова увидел весь мир. Я уверена, что он был счастлив в Америке, ведь его мечты сбылись.

@user-nx7kf8ms1u Месяц назад

я тоже так думаю

@lbm2967 Месяц назад

He was marvelous ❤

@chipsanders0822 Месяц назад

Not your everyday dancer. Alexander Boris Godunov was enormously gifted. Such an interesting life but much too short. Thanks, Kent. Another fine bio highlight/video. Again, we thank you! #I❤🩰

@GrandOldMovies Месяц назад

I remember when Godunov defected, because the Bolshoi was in NY, and I had a ticket to see the company in Swan Lake, a performance he was supposed to dance in. But, having defected just a few days before, he obviously didn't appear. The performance was delayed in starting; an announcement was made from the stage that the delay was due to the U.S. authorities holding the plane (literally on the runway) that was to take Godunov's wife back to Moscow. Very dramatic. I also saw Godunov dance Albrecht to Cynthia Gregory's Giselle at ABT. He brought a powerhouse persona and, even then, an actor's sensibility to the role--I vividly recall his look of aristocratic scorn when confronted by the Wilis! I also heard Baryshnikov made the decision to fire Godunov from ABT. Baryshnikov had recently taken over as its director and, from what I understand, he wanted to reshape the company, make it more classical and refined, more 'Maryinsky'-like in style. Godunov (along with some other dancers) didn't fit the bill, so he was dismissed. At least Godunov had a successful film career. He's so enjoyable in Die Hard, bringing a nice tongue-in-cheek touch to his role.

@KentGBecker Месяц назад

Thanks so much for your perspective! There isn't much detail on why he was fired from ABT. Wish I could find more info. Thanks again.

@jonnarobinson7541 Месяц назад

Kent, I love your videos❤❤❤❤ out of the three superstars Baryshnikov will always be my favorite.

@aggelinairiniaggelaki2720 Месяц назад

Baryshnikov was afraid of Godunov 's success. Unfortunately Baryshnikov was very jealous of any other talented male dancer in ABT. Finally "Misha", broke his leg and couldn't dance classic ballet roles so he turned in modern dance. Then Misha collapsed financially the ABT theater and was fired. As for Alexander, after living ABT, did a wonderful worldwide ballet career. He is remembered with love and respect.

@sofiamacaroni 26 дней назад

Опять ты, лгунья. Только и можешь, что врать и ненавидеть Барышникова - больше ничего. Барышников сломал ногу в '75 году, через год после эмиграции. Ну а то, что Барышников кому-то завидовал - это вообще смешно читать для более-менее думающих людей.

@user-ir3xu4tx5h 8 дней назад

Барышников исходил чёрной завистью

@liesbethrobison Месяц назад

What a tremendous athlete and yea total rock star. He was awesome in Die Hard.

@user-nx7kf8ms1u Месяц назад

What a great artist! And what a great Human! I don't beleive in the theory of his alcohol addiction, especially long-term one as he was in a marvelous physical shape otherwise he would have experienced serious issues with liver. Also I agree with someone who commented on his death: too much mistery and a huge lack of facts. Police investigation is needed. The only thing I'm glad about is that his legacy lives until now.

@user-fb7qs5hl3p Месяц назад

Alexander Godunov is very cool.

@hedylamarr1688 Месяц назад

Thank You Kent! This is my introduction to this beautiful dancer.

@yuliyacher67 Месяц назад

Alexander Godunov is the most versatile classical ballet dancer of 20th centure. Not early 1980. He stopped dancing in 1985 and remained in excellent shape. Neither Nureyev nor Baryshnikov were allowed close to the Bolshoi Theater. They did not have a masculine style and could not dance either Spartacus or Ivan the Terrible. Sasha could also dance everything - both lyric and drama. Godunov made an excellent ballet career in the USA. He danced in Raymonda, Don Quixote, Giselle, Swan Lake, Ravel's Bolero, Afternoon of a Faun, The Moor’s Pavane, Paganini, Carmen, The Death of the Rose, Nutcraker. Also specially directed for him by Alvin Eiley and Roland Petit. And no, he didn't think about his ex-wife and Russia. He loved the United States, was proud of his American passport, and loved other women. And he did not die of alcoholism. His death requires a police investigation.

@Maira-zk2hn5pl4n 12 дней назад

Юлия, как же надоели эти разговоры о том что Александр умер от алкоголя и одиночества, вот и не докажешь же им обратное.

@yuliyacher67 12 дней назад

@@Maira-zk2hn5pl4n А это канал фотографа Американского Балетного театра. Соответственно никаких доказательств ему и не нужно. Это человек Барышникова и обслуживает его интересы.

@Ferdinand314 Месяц назад

Thank you for covering this gorgeous dancer!

@aggelinairiniaggelaki2720 22 дня назад

In the beginning of the video we hear that Alexander never accepted the USSSR. This is the very reason that some Russians are insulting him by spreading rumors (as facts), that he was an alcoholic since a teenager. But first Alexander defected for artistic reasons ONLY. Then he couldn't follow this harsh and very daylly demanding program, being alcoholic. His unexpected, strange death ,needs answers from the Police.

@aggelinairiniaggelaki2720 Месяц назад

Thank you very much for this video.

@elizzy8754 Месяц назад

A great dancer with a magnetic stage presence. Compared with other dancers from the same years, his technique is a little bit what I might term "rough" (fifths, preparations, a low relevé in turns). He has beautiful feet and hands, and his bravura style is so energetic. Did he ever dance contemporary/neo classical roles - Roland Petit, Neumeier, Macmillan, etc? I feel he would have been superb. Just tragic that he died so young. Thank you for this look at a wonderful dancer

@user-zq1yr5nq4x Месяц назад

And what exactly is wrong with his fifths, preparations, and relevé in turns? Could you please indicate the time on the video when we could see that? Yes, he danced "The Death of the Rose" and 'Carmen' by Roland Petit, and some ballets by Balanchine.

@leonshackleford9585 26 дней назад

What a Brilliant Ballet Dancer But Sadly Died in 1995 of Alcoholism. Alexander Godunov 1949 To 1995 R.I.P

@aggelinairiniaggelaki2720 8 дней назад

@leonshackleford9585 Alexander didn't die from alcoholism ATALL. Probably his very strange death needs a police answer. Alexander had many plans for his future and was 100% healthy , that we can clearly see in his last photos. Very bright white - pink healthy skin.

@LauraJFro1 Месяц назад

I am so happy to see this video and subscribe to Ballet Focus. Thank you so much for all your effort.

@KentGBecker Месяц назад

Thanks for tuning in!

@VaingloriousGabagool Месяц назад

I look forward to videos from this channel so much, thank you

@KentGBecker Месяц назад

Thanks!

@nangaleema Месяц назад

Wow! I loved him in The Money Pit. That's one of my all time favorite movies and he was hilarious in it. I didn't even realize he was a dancer! Thanks for sharing this. This channel never dissapoints. ❤

@KentGBecker Месяц назад

Thanks for tuning in!

@bbaNMDesertHwy57 Месяц назад

Hi Kent! Always good to see a new video coming from you! Godunov is truly a fascinating dancer. But question about your opening thumbnail: Is the male dancer featured in the center actually you? I look at him and sometimes I think he looks more like Peter Strauss. Just curious.

@KentGBecker Месяц назад

You mean at 1:10? That is Angel Corella of ABT

@user-zq1yr5nq4x Месяц назад

As for substance abuse and addiction - can you please specify the source of this information? I guess it's the tabloid press.

@KentGBecker Месяц назад

From the LA Times: "On Monday, Godunov’s physician, Dr. Maurice Levy, signed the death certificate listing the cause of death as chronic alcoholism." www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-05-23-ls-4989-story.html

@user-zq1yr5nq4x Месяц назад

@@KentGBecker Thank you for your answer. But substance means drugs. Did the doctor say anything about that? Besides, Godunov worked, communicated with his friends and even went to his family in Latvia shortly before his death - NO ONE saw him as an alcoholic or a person with a sick liver. No autopsy was performed. EVERYONE was shocked by his death. It should have been investigated.Why didn't Arlene Medann, his executor, send a telegram to Godunov's mother for the funeral? Why was the cremation performed on the instructions of Medann not at 8 o'clock in the morning, as announced, but at 5? His friends couldn't even see him and say goodbye to him. And where is his personal archive? Why wasn't it returned to his relatives? I also doubt they got his money and his flat in Los Angeles.The case is very strange.

@aggelinairiniaggelaki2720 22 дня назад

@user-zq1yr5nq4x You are 100% right, true and straight.

@yuliyacher67 Месяц назад

Sasha could also dance everything - both lyric and drama. Godunov made an excellent ballet career in the USA. He danced in Raymonda, Don Quixote, Giselle, Swan Lake, Ravel's Bolero, Afternoon of a Faun, The Moor’s Pavane, Paganini, Carmen, The Death of the Rose, Nutcraker. Also specially directed for him by Alvin Eiley and Roland Petit. And no, he didn't think about his ex-wife and Russia. He loved the United States, was proud of his American passport, and loved other women. And he did not die of alcoholism. His death requires a police investigation.

@gabitrofingt 6 дней назад

.... nu-l vom uita ,a fost unic..prea putin a stralucit...!...disparitia lui e dubioasa ,vedem azi ce fac rusii cu cei care pleaca sau, nu asculta....Navalnai e ultimul ex......alt rus deosebit sacrificat ....!

@user-zq1yr5nq4x Месяц назад

Thank you for this film. Godunov is a great dancer. As for 'his own PBS TV show" - was it a TV program he presented regularly? Does it have the same name as a documentary by Peter Rosen about Godunov?

@KentGBecker Месяц назад

Thanks for turning in! I couldn't find much info on the PBS special, just the screenshot in the video.

@user-zq1yr5nq4x Месяц назад

@@KentGBecker Thank you. It would be nice to learn.

@user-ud4he1qf2g Месяц назад

he was a great dancer , it was a pity that he had alcohol addiction. I think he did not find a good reception at the ABT and he was disappointed.

@aggelinairiniaggelaki2720 Месяц назад

Unfortunately Alexander 's supposed alcoholism IS A VERY FAKE STORY. ALEXANDER GODUNOV was drinking not more than anyone of us. Just a glass of votca or champagne. His daylly program (sports, ballet training, ballet teaching for several hours, then follow of actor's school, and lessons for a better English pronunciation) . This was his program till the very last day of his life and this is not the program of an alcoholic. He was found dead and NOT a blood test nor an autopsy was done in order to prove the alcoholism as the reason of death.