Anna Pavlova (1881–1931)
Anna Pavlova was a Russian prima ballerina of the late 19th and the early 20th centuries. She was a principal artist of the Imperial Russian Ballet and the Ballets Russes of Sergei Diaghilev.
Pavlova is most recognized for the creation of the role of The Dying Swan and, with her own company, became the first ballerina to tour ballet around the world, inspiring generations of future dancers.
Margot Fonteyn (1919–1991)
Dame Margot Fonteyn was an English ballerina. She spent her entire career as a dancer with the Royal Ballet (formerly the Sadler's Wells Theatre Company), eventually being appointed prima ballerina assoluta of the company by Queen Elizabeth II.
She is particularly remembered for her late-career partnership with Rudolf Nureyev, which became one of the most famous and artistically successful in ballet history.
Maya Plisetskaya (1925–2015)
Maya Plisetskaya was a Soviet and Russian ballet dancer, choreographer, ballet director, and actress. She danced during the Soviet era at the Bolshoi Theatre and was named prima ballerina assoluta.
She was known for the exceptional height of her jumps, her extremely flexible back, and her deeply passionate performances that defied the strict artistic confines of her time.
Misty Copeland (1982–Present)
Misty Copeland is an American ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the United States.
On June 30, 2015, Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history, breaking historical barriers and becoming a global cultural icon and advocate for diversity in dance.