Legendary Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Vasilyev has created choreography for Guiseppe Verdi’s "La Traviata", which premiered in the Rome Opera House in Italy.

Named “World’s Best Dancer” by the Paris Dance Academy back in 1964, the award-winning choreographer dedicated his work to his beloved wife and partner, renowned ballerina Ekaterina Maksimova, who died of heart failure earlier this year.

Vasilyev and Maksimova / RIA Novosti / Pedenchuk, STF

"La Traviata" is brought together by the Italian guru of art, the 86-year-old Franco Zeffirelli who, back in 1959, worked on “La Traviata” with none other than Maria Callas.

Zeffirelli’s performances and films have been widely praised, among other things, for their elaborate choreography.

It’s not a coincidence that he’s engaged the Russian star, Vasilyev – once referred to as the “god of dance” – in his production.

Twenty-seven years ago, Vasiliev and his wife Maksimova themselves danced in Zeffirelli’s opera film, “La Traviata”.