Sergei Polunin
A ballet prodigy whose explosive talent and tumultuous career made him one of dance's most discussed and controversial figures.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Ukrainian ballet dancer, actor and model·Birthday: November 20·Millennials
Biography
Sergei Polunin was a phenomenon almost from the moment he put on ballet shoes. Hailed as the youngest ever principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in London, his technical prowess and raw, rebellious energy promised a reign that would redefine classical dance for a new century. Yet, his story became one of spectacular ascent and equally public struggle. At his peak, he walked away, citing a loss of passion and the immense pressures of his craft. His later career has been a globe-trotting, genre-blending search for artistic freedom, marked by powerful collaborations like the haunting video for Hozier's 'Take Me to Church' and ventures into film and modeling. His personal convictions and nationality have also placed him at the center of political discourse, making him an artist whose life offstage often commands as much attention as his movement on it.
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.
Sergei was born in 1989, 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 Sergei Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Sergei's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
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
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the youngest ever principal dancer of The Royal Ballet in London at age 19.
- His dance performance in the music video for Hozier's 'Take Me to Church' garnered hundreds of millions of views and widespread acclaim.
- Starred as the lead dancer in the feature film 'The White Crow', directed by Ralph Fiennes, about Rudolf Nureyev.
- Has been a principal dancer with major companies including the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Stanislavsky Music Theatre.
Did You Know?
He has large tattoos covering his torso and back, including one of a theater on his chest.
He was born in Kherson, Ukraine, but holds Russian and Serbian citizenship.
He trained at the prestigious Kyiv State Choreographic Institute before moving to the UK for further training.
He has modeled for fashion brands like Versace and appeared in GQ magazine.
“I wanted to be the best in the world, and I knew what it would take.”
