Russian ballet dancer and choreographer, celebrated for his virtuosity and for the depth and intensity of his characterizations. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Nijinsky debuted in 1907 with the Saint Petersburg Imperial Ballet. He later went to Paris and was a leading member of the original Ballets Russes, under the direction of Russian impresario Sergei Diaghilev. Nijinsky soon became premier danseur. His daringly unconventional choreography aroused lively comment and many protests, especially against alleged obscenity and harsh subject matter. Nijinsky's spectacular career ended in 1919 because he suffered from schizophrenia, from which he never fully recovered.