Vaslav Nijinsky (1889–1950)

Vaslav Nijinsky, the most celebrated ballet dancer of his day, was hailed as the "eighth wonder of the world." Sadly, his career as a dancer and choreographer lasted only about 10 years -- he retired at the age of 29 due to mental illness. His most famous work was "L'après-midi d'un faune" (Afternoon of a Faun), which caused a sensation at its 1912 premiere in Paris. Nijinsky's diaries were edited and published by his wife Romola.