**Léonide Massine** (Moscow, 1896 – Cologne, 1979) was a celebrated dancer and choreographer, but he also made a significant impact in cinema, thanks to his innate dramatic sense and extraordinary physicality.

His film career is inextricably linked to two masterpieces directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. In the celebrated *Scarpette Rosse* (The Red Shoes, 1948), he played the intense choreographer Grischa Ljubov, a role that fully capitalized on his experience and stage presence. Subsequently, in *I Racconti di Hoffmann* (The Tales of Hoffmann, 1951), he brought to life the dual roles of Franz and Cochenille, demonstrating versatility and unique expressiveness.

Massine excelled in characters that required great intensity, precision of movement, and an artistic aura, often linked to the world of performance. His acting, though not extensive in terms of filmography, was always powerful and memorable, characterized by a stylization that reflected his art of dance.