Ballet continues to captivate audiences worldwide, blending physical strength, emotional depth, and artistic expression. In 2024, the world’s most famous ballet dancers have graced stages with performances highlighting their dedication to this timeless art form. This year, from principal ballerinas to famous male ballet dancers, have showcased the extraordinary talents of modern legends and rising stars. Here’s a look at some of the most notable figures in ballet today, alongside insights into what makes a ballet dancer successful and famous.

The Top Famous Ballet Dancers in 2024 That Are Still Actively Dancing

Marianela Núñez

As the principal dancer of one of the most globally renowned ballet companies in the entire world, The Royal Ballet, she is well-deserving of the title of one of the world’s best ballerinas. In 2024, Marianela Núñez continues to mesmerize audiences with her artistry in works such as Giselle, Teatro alla Scala, and most recently, Cinderella. Despite being active in her career for decades, she remains extremely popular, frequently featured in magazines, interviews, and more. Her ability to make the most challenging and demanding ballet techniques seem effortless speaks volumes of her value as a prima ballerina and one of the top ballet dancers of all time.

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is celebrated as a trailblazer in the ballet world due to the impact of her presence in the industry, and 2024 has been no exception. As she continues her performance as a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, one of the big three classical ballet companies in the United States, we see her venturing her impact into philanthropy as well. In 2024, she was named the recipient of the Heisman Humanitarian Award thanks to her work for children of colour and for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through dance.

Vadim Muntagirov

Another principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, Vadim Muntagirov has earned acclaim for his elegance in technique and the emotions he brings to choreography. He is also incredibly international, as seen by how he makes guest appearances across the world. He is currently a permanent guest artist in the National Ballet of Japan, has taught previously in Prague, and performed in America. It’s not just dancing, he also shows an interest in choreography, especially his own. 

What Makes a Ballet Dancer Famous?

While talent and hard work are essential, becoming a famous ballet dancer requires more than technical skill. This is because technical skills can be refined with practice, but at the highest levels of competitive ballet, their impact begins to plateau since nearly every dancer is already exceptionally talented and disciplined. This is where artistry, a dancer’s unique ability to tell stories and evoke emotions, becomes the defining factor.

Artistic expression allows the best dancers to transcend technique and connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. Through movements that feel effortless and authentic, they use their bodies as instruments of storytelling, transforming each step into something meaningful. Achieving this level of artistry demands not only physical and emotional commitment but also equipment that supports and enhances their craft. These dancers always utilize the best tools to support their bodies to flourish in their optimal state. For instance, pointe shoes designed for precision and balance enable dancers to fully express themselves without worrying about discomfort or instability. Protection tools like bunhead spacers, toe wraps, and pointe toe cushions protect the longevity of the state of their body. 

Aside from the presence of quality equipment, a natural musicality to their movement and dance is almost a mandatory requirement for these phenomenal performers. Dancers like Marianela Núñez and Sergei Polunin are celebrated not just for their technique but also for their ability to captivate audiences with their iconic roles in productions like Swan Lake or Romeo and Juliet. And their artistry is complemented by the tools they rely on to bring these timeless pieces to life. 

From this perspective, one can argue that flexibility and adaptations based on your dance skill sets are another factor. Versatility helps dancers remain relevant, impactful, and longer-lasting. As ballet evolves to embrace contemporary creativity while preserving its rich tradition, dancers are expected to adapt to a wide range of roles and styles. This adaptability relies on the combination of skill, artistry, and the right tools to support their physical demands. In this way, the tradition of ballet is not only preserved but also elevated, as dancers continue to blend technical mastery with artistic distinction to inspire audiences around the world.

Famous Ballet Dancers Today: Rising Stars to Watch

2024 isn’t just about the established stars, it has also introduced rising talents destined to elevate ballet to new heights.

Wang Yufei 

Wang Yufei is a Chinese ballet dancer who has won multiple renowned ballet awards in Beijing before winning her scholarship at the Royal Ballet School. Even with her young age, she has already performed in many of the National Ballet of China’s repertoire of Swan Lake, Cinderella, Nutcracker, and more. Most recently, we have seen her performing in the 2024 Nutcracker at Goh Ballet in Vancouver.

Zhao Baole

Zhao Baole is a Chinese ballet dancer who graduated from the Affiliated Secondary School of Beijing Dance Academy in 2022 before joining the National Ballet of China. He has earned accolades such as First Prize at the inaugural Ailian Youth Grand Prix (AYGP) in 2022 and Second Prize at the International United Cloud Dance Competition in 2020. Not only have we seen him showcasing his talent in renowned productions like George Balanchine’s Serenade and Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, but he also captivated audiences as the Snow Prince in the 2024 Nutcracker at Goh Ballet in Vancouver.

Why 2024 Has Been a Year to Remember for Ballet

As one of human history’s most renowned and oldest dance styles, ballet inspires new generations with its timeless beauty and discipline. While ballet is often seen as rigid due to its emphasis on technique and cultural heritage, 2024 demonstrated that tradition and innovation coexist. This year highlighted how ballet’s rich history can be honoured while embracing creativity and diversity, proving that the art form remains as dynamic and relevant as ever.