Rudolf Nureyev defected to the West in 1961 and Mikhail Baryshnikov in 1974 – both great dancers who fled the Soviet Union for freedom and better opportunities.

The world has changed much since then, of course. And now, in another major milestone for dance, a young American ballet star is making the reverse trip – heading for Moscow, to become a “premier” dancer with the famed Bolshoi Ballet.

David Hallberg, who will also remain a principal with the New York-based American Ballet Theatre, is the first foreign dancer to be given that distinction in the Bolshoi’s modern history.

Until now, foreign dancers were only invited for guest stints, the company said in a statement.

In an interview, the South Dakota native made it clear he fully grasps the significance of his move.

“It’s a milestone,” he said during a break in rehearsals for an upcoming tour.

“It’s historic. It’s a huge challenge, but I feel it’s important, not just for me as an artist, but for the dance world – and, in the bigger picture, maybe even for international relations.”

Mr Hallberg, at 29, is already regarded as one of the most talented male ballet dancers in the world.

In six years as a principal with ABT, he has captivated audiences with his pure, elegant form, weightless jumps, regal bearing and tall, blond good looks.

He performs in modern as well as classical pieces, but is especially suited to princely roles such as Siegfried in Swan Lake, Albrecht in Giselle or Romeo.

First approached by the Bolshoi in April, while performing in Moscow, Mr Hallberg said his decision took time and was extremely difficult.

“It was really hard,” he said, “because the responsibility is really great; there’s a responsibility to really do this justice”.