A legendary Polish prima ballerina, Nina Novak inspired generations worldwide with her grace, artistry, and dedication to ballet.
Nina Novak, born Janina Nowak on March 23, 1923, in Warsaw, was a legendary Polish prima ballerina, choreographer, and teacher. Before World War II, she graduated from Warsaw’s ballet school at the Teatr Wielki. Between 1937 and 1939, she performed as a soloist with the Polish Representative Ballet, later dancing with renowned Polish ballet ensembles after the war.
Global Stardom and Pedagogical Legacy
In 1946, Novak moved to the United States, becoming a prima ballerina and teacher with the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo. Following her retirement in 1962, she established a ballet school in Venezuela, eventually founding Ballet Clásico de Caracas in 1991. She made memorable guest appearances in Poland, performing in Giselle, Swan Lake, and Coppelia.
Honors and Recognition
Novak was honored with the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta in 2017. Her legacy endures through her contributions to ballet across continents. Nina Novak passed away on March 15, 2022, and rests at Bródno Cemetery in Warsaw.