Bolshoi pays tribute to 100-year-old ballerina

16 June, 2008, 08:51

A century old and still going strong. The current stars of the Russian ballet gathered on stage at the Bolshoi Theatre to pay tribute to the legendary dancer Marina Semenova.

The concert’s programme reflected Semenova's huge repertoire. In her time, she has performed the leading roles in all the greatest classical ballets.

Although she left the ballet stage more than 50 years ago, Semenova still fits the rapturous descriptions from her dancing days.

She started her career in the State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, now called the Mariinsky Theatre, in the 1920s.

In 1930 she became the leading lady of the Bolshoi Theatre and for generations of dance fans, her performances were events not to be missed. The concert in her honour was also a must-see for her colleagues and admirers.

Some of the dancers were lucky to study in her classes; others feel happy just to have met her.

Leading male dancer at the Bolshoi, Nikolay Tsiskaridze, remembers how Semenova got his career on track.

“As I danced my first big solo part in London, she came to me after the show and said: 'Boy, do you want to be a good dancer? Join my classes.' And I did, and during the next 11 years she was the dearest person for me – my tutor and my family,” Tsiskaridze said.