News / People
Natalia Bessmertnova Dies At 66
Russian media outlets report that Bessmertnova died in a
Bolshoi Theater released a statement on their web site saying the theater “mourns the death of the outstanding ballerina, one of the world’s most celebrated Giselles.” Bessmertnova danced at Bolshoi from 1961 to 1995.
Bolshoi director Anatoly Iksanov said the dancer was “the pride and glory of the company to which she devoted her entire life.” Bessmertnova danced leading females roles in ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ ‘Giselle,’ ‘Ivan the Terrible,’ ‘The Angara,’ and ‘The Golden age.’
She also participated in ballet competitions and won several awards for her talent. In 1976 Bessmertnova was named a People’s Artist of the U.S.S.R. She also won the Lenin Prize and State Prize.
She was married to Bolshoi’s artistic director Yuri Grigorovich. A funeral service for Bessmertnova will be held at the Bolshoi Theater on Friday and will be open to the public.
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