In 1974, restored to health at age 46, Bruhn returned to dancing, but not as a regal Prince. In a production of Giselle featuring ex-lover Nureyev in Bruhn's former signature role of Albrecht, Bruhn scored an astounding success as Madge, the evil witch.

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This triumph signaled the start of the second phase of Bruhn's dancing career. His versatility and acting skill enabled him to make a graceful transition from dancing Prince Ideal to performing vividly realized character parts such as Dr. Coppelius in Coppélia (1975, choreographed by Bruhn after the 1884 Petipa original, with a score by Leo Délibes), The Moor in The Moor's Pavane (1949, choreographed by José Limón, with a score by Henry Purcell), and the title role in Rasputin--The Holy Devil (1978, choreographed by James Clouser, with a score by St. Elmo's Fire Band).

The dancer's later triumphs brought renewed recognition of his uniqueness in ballet: his ability to combine flawless technique, intense character study, and total commitment to create stage performances that remained indelible to audiences.

Bruhn was appointed Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada in 1983, a position that he fulfilled admirably. By this time he had cemented a stable and fulfilling relationship with dancer and choreographer Constantin Patsalas, while Nureyev, his great but impossible love, remained a close friend.

Bruhn died of lung cancer in Toronto on April 1, 1986.

The enduring and persistent connection between ballet and male homosexuality is undeniable and may be related to the art's remarkably masculine provenance.

Artistic dance has proven to be a haven for glbtq people, who have made significant contributions in almost every area, including as choreographers, performers, and teachers.

The greatest dancer of his time, Rudolf Nureyev also gave the world a new and glamorous image of a sexually active gay man.

One of the greatest composers in the history of music, Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky inspired a cult of gay admirers who detected in his work themes of forbidden love.