Bolshoi Ballerina Marina Semyonova Dies at 102

Marina Semyonova, former prima ballerina of Russia's Bolshoi Theater and later a teacher, has died at 102, the New York Times reports.  Her best-known roles included Odette-Odile in 'Swan Lake,' Nikiya in 'La Bayadere,' Princess Aurora in 'Sleeping Beauty,' and Raymonda in the ballet of the same name.  The Bolshoi announced Semyonova's death.

Semyonova studied ballet with Agrippina Vaganova at the Petrograd Ballet School (the Kirov Ballet of today) and began as a soloist with that company, moving to the Bolshoi in 1930.  She also gave a widely acclaimed performance in the title role of 'Giselle' at the Paris Opera House. 

Upon retirement from performing in the 1950s, Semyonova became a teacher at the Bolshoi, which she continued until she was ninety-six.

To read more about Semyonova, visit the New York Times.

Photo Credit: M. Merobova (From the Museum of the Bolshoi Theater)