Each year on February 28, Argentina observes the Day of the Dancer, celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Jorge Raúl Itovich Donn, one of the most prominent figures of ballet in the 20th century. Born on this day in 1947, Donn rose from humble beginnings to become an internationally acclaimed dancer, revered for his artistic contributions and as inspiration for aspiring dancers worldwide.
Donn's early passion for dance caught the attention of renowned choreographer María Fux, who nurtured his talent at the prestigious Teatro Colón's School of Dance. By the age of 15, he encountered Maurice Béjart, the innovative Belgian choreographer whose work would redefine modern ballet. Impressed by Donn's extraordinary skill and expressiveness, Béjart invited him to join the Ballet du XXe Siècle, solidifying Donn's career path and marking the beginning of his rise to stardom.
His collaboration with Béjart was transformative. Over the years, Béjart created several major works for Donn, including Bhakti (1968), Golestan: The Garden of Roses (1973), and Adagietto (1981). Donn's performances were characterized by a dramatic flair and impressive emotional depth, captivating audiences across Europe. “He had incredible horse-like strength,” Béjart famously noted, “and sometimes I had to dial him back. But Jorge's creativity would fill out, enlarge and even surpass my choreography.”
He became famous not only for his dazzling technique but also for memorable performances alongside some of the world's greatest ballerinas, including Maya Plisetskaya and Natalia Makarova. His portrayal of Ravel's Boléro became emblematic of his career; audiences responded overwhelmingly to his passionate delivery during performances, solidifying his status as one of the leading dancers of his era.
Beyond the ballet stage, Donn made significant strides as a choreographer and artistic director. He served as the artistic director of Béjart's company from 1976 to 1988, where he played instrumental roles in eleving the company to international prominence. Later, he founded his own ensemble, L’Europa Ballet, showcasing his vision for contemporary dance.
Despite his international success, Donn faced significant prejudice back home. His flamboyant style and unconventional persona did not conform to the traditional expectations of Argentine society. Yet he persisted, pushing against societal norms and establishing himself as a figure of artistic liberation. His film appearances, particularly in Los unos y los otros (1981), helped bridge the gap between his European acclaim and Argentine recognition, especially after his emotionally charged performance of Boléro captivated local audiences.
Tragically, Donn's life was cut short; he passed away on November 30, 1992, at the young age of 45 due to complications from AIDS. His untimely death was felt deeply within the global dance community, prompting heartfelt tributes from fellow artists and choreographers, including Béjart, who honored him with Ballet for Life.
Onlegacies, the city of Buenos Aires commemorates him by designatively establishing February 28 as the national Day of the Dancer through ordinance No. 47619, recognizing his extraordinary impact on dance. This anniversary is not just about remembering Donn’s contributions, but it also serves as inspiration for future generations of dancers.
Every year, dance schools and companies across Argentina organize events, performances, and educational workshops to celebrate the passionate stories of dancers everywhere, ensuring Donn’s legacy of artistry and courage endures. This celebration is as much about recognizing the vibrant culture of dance as it is paying tribute to one of Argentina’s greatest luminaries.
Jorge Donn’s influence is clearly evident not just across the stages of Europe but continues to resonate through the narratives of dancers today, embodying the spirit of determination and artistic excellence. On this Day of the Dancer, Argentina pays homage not just to Donn’s life, but to the enduring power of dance to transcend boundaries and unite humanity.