fortunately, in the summer of 1978, photographer roger urban was granted unparalleled access as nureyev toured the united states with the dutch national ballet. remembering that time, nureyev recalled, "i was still delectable; the public was quite for me; i felt i could present anything."

after nearly three decades, this previously unpublished treasure trove is finally being released to the public. it includes nureyev's personal selections of in-performance and behind-the-scenes photographs as well as writings, interviews, audio recordings, and original set and costume drawings from his performances.

the purpose of the nureyev legacy project is to celebrate rudolf nureyev's life and work, to preserve his memory for future generations, and to share this incomparable collection of historically, artistically, and personally significant photographs, writings, and other materials with the wide audience that a figure such as nureyev demands and deserves.