Born on the Trans-Siberian express, Rudolf Nureyev never rested in his meteoric rise to become the brightest star in the ballet universe. From commanding the stage of the Paris Opera to cavorting with Miss Piggy on the Muppet Show, Nureyev’s charisma and virtuoso talent brought to classical dance a new, modern dimension.

Seventeen years after his life was prematurely claimed by AIDS, we take a retrospective look at the life and work of this great artist – in all its grace, passion, drama and excess. Through interviews, archive footage, re-enactments and original dance sequences, the film recreates the key moments of Nureyev’s life and shines a light on his unparalleled talent.