Other 50 years ago today (16th June 1961): Soviet ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev defected to the West while on tour with the Kirov Ballet in Paris Posted by Russel Tarr on June 16, 2011May 28, 2011 50 years ago today (16th June 1961): Soviet ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev defected to the West while on tour with the Kirov Ballet in Paris Share this:Share this:LinkedInFacebookPinterest