Origins & Early Life

Ida Lvovna Rubinstein (Russian: Ида Львовна Рубинштейн; 3 October [O.S. 21 September] 1883 – 20 September 1960) was a Russian dancer, actress, art patron and Belle Époque figure. She performed with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes from 1909 to 1911 and later formed her own company. Boléro by Ravel (1928) was among her commissions.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Rubinstein was born into one of Russian Empire's richest families, to Jewish parents in Kharkov (now in Ukraine), and grew up in Saint Petersburg. For many years, it was a mystery whether she was born in Kharkov or Saint Petersburg, complicated by the rumour that "Ida" was short for "Adelaida". Rubinstein herself would not confirm where she was born, nor if Ida was a nickname, preferring the aura of mystery. Years after her death, the record was discovered in the archives of the Kharkov Choral Synagogue, where her father had been a board member: the birth of a daughter, Ida Lvovna, on 21 September (O.S., N.S. 5 October), to father Lev Ruvimovich, Honorary Citizen of Kharkov, and mother Ernestina Isaakovna Rubinstein, had been dutily recorded in the registry for 1883.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

She had an older sister, Rachel, born in 1876...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexandros Papagos — Contemporary (Born in 1883) (1883): Greek military leader and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece (1952-1955).
• Anton Webern — Contemporary (Born in 1883) (1883): Radical modernist composer of the Second Viennese School, known for atonal and twelve-tone techniques.
• Benito Mussolini — Contemporary (Born in 1883) (1883): Italian dictator who founded fascism and ruled the Kingdom of Italy from 1922 to 1943.
• Adam Clayton — Contemporary (Born in 1960) (1960): Irish-English bassist and founding member of the globally renowned rock band U2.
• Adam Schiff — Contemporary (Born in 1960) (1960): Long-serving Democratic politician, former Congressman, and current U.S. Senator from California.
• Albert Camus — Contemporary (Died in 1960) (1960): Philosopher and writer known for Absurdism, The Stranger, and The Plague.
• Abdul Hamid II — Shared historical date (09-21 · Born) (1842): Last effective Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, navigating decline and constitutional upheaval.
• Allen Lane — Shared historical date (09-21 · Born) (1902): Pioneering British publisher who founded Penguin Books, bringing literature to the masses.
• Annie Besant — Shared historical date (09-20 · Died) (1933): Activist, writer, and Theosophist championing social reform and self-rule.
• Chulalongkorn — Shared historical date (09-20 · Born) (1853): Modernizer of Siam, ensuring its independence through sweeping reforms.
• 1883 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1883
• September 21 (09-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 21
• 1960 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1960
• September 20 (09-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 20