Soviet prima ballerina dies at 66

[justjohn]

Soviet prima ballerina dies at 66

Natalia Bessmertnova

Bessmertnova was a star of the Bolshoi's "golden age"

Russian prima ballerina Natalia Bessmertnova has died after a long illness at the age of 66, the Bolshoi Theatre announced in Moscow.

Bessmertnova became a Bolshoi star in the Soviet period in 1961, marrying artistic director, Yuri Grigorovich, and later teaching in retirement.

Her husband gave her lead roles in his own productions, such as Spartacus.

More here:

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7254007.stm

[Jaga]

John,

thanks for the update. She had a beautiful long neck:



In 1995, she took part in a historic strike at the Bolshoi over changes which prompted Grigorovich to resign.