Alina Cojocaru
A Romanian-born ballerina of exquisite lyricism and dramatic depth who became a defining principal dancer of London's Royal Ballet.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Romanian ballet dancer·Birthday: May 27·Millennials
Biography
Alina Cojocaru emerged from the rigorous training of the Kiev Ballet School to become one of the most expressive dancers of her generation. Her technical purity, combined with a rare emotional transparency, quickly propelled her to the top ranks. At The Royal Ballet in London, she was not just a principal but a muse, her interpretations of Giselle and Juliet setting a new standard for vulnerability and storytelling. Later, as a lead principal with the English National Ballet, she continued to expand her repertoire with commanding authority. Cojocaru's artistry lies in her ability to make classical technique seem not just effortless, but a direct conduit for raw human feeling.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alina was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alina Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Alina's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Served as a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet for over a decade, defining many classic roles.
- Awarded the Prix de Lausanne in 1997, a top prize for young dancers.
- Became a lead principal dancer with the English National Ballet, headlining major productions.
- Received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Giselle, often described as definitive.
Did You Know?
She began her training in gymnastics in Romania before switching to ballet at age nine.
Cojocaru is married to fellow principal dancer Johan Kobborg.
She became a principal dancer at The Royal Ballet at just 20 years old.
She has performed as a guest artist with nearly every major ballet company worldwide.
“The music tells you when to move, but the silence tells you how.”
