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Performer

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Ballet

 

 

Keyboard

 

Natalya Makarova is a renowned classical ballet dancer and choreographer who was born on November 21, 1940, in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now St. Petersburg, Russia). She was born into a family of dancers, and her mother was a ballerina at the Kirov Ballet. Makarova began her ballet training at the age of 10 at the Leningrad Choreographic School, which was affiliated with the Kirov Ballet. Makarova's talent was evident from an early age, and she quickly rose through the ranks of the Kirov Ballet. She made her debut with the company in 1956, at the age of 16, and was promoted to soloist just two years later. Makarova's performances were praised for their technical precision, emotional depth, and dramatic intensity. In 1961, Makarova made her international debut with the Kirov Ballet in London, where she performed the lead role in Giselle. Her performance was a sensation, and she was hailed as one of the greatest ballerinas of her generation. Makarova continued to tour with the Kirov Ballet throughout the 1960s, performing in Europe, Asia, and the United States. In 1970, Makarova defected from the Soviet Union while on tour with the Kirov Ballet in London. She was granted political asylum in the United Kingdom and later became a citizen of the United States. Makarova's defection was a major event in the world of ballet, and it made her an international celebrity. After defecting, Makarova joined the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) as a principal dancer. She quickly became one of the company's most popular and acclaimed performers, and she danced many of the lead roles in the company's repertoire. Makarova's performances with the ABT were noted for their technical brilliance, emotional depth, and dramatic intensity. In addition to her work as a dancer, Makarova also began to choreograph ballets. Her first major work was a production of La Bayadère for the ABT in 1980. The production was a critical and commercial success, and it established Makarova as a major choreographer. Makarova continued to choreograph ballets throughout the 1980s and 1990s, working with companies such as the Royal Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, and the Paris Opera Ballet. Her choreography was noted for its innovative use of movement, its emotional depth, and its ability to tell a story through dance. Makarova's career was marked by many highlights and awards. In 1974, she was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR, the highest honor that can be bestowed on an artist in the Soviet Union. In 1981, she won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway production of On Your Toes. In 1989, she was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors for her contributions to the arts. Makarova retired from dancing in 1997, but she continued to work as a choreographer and teacher. She has taught at many of the world's leading ballet schools, including the Royal Ballet School, the Kirov Ballet School, and the American Ballet Theatre School. Makarova's legacy as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher has had a profound impact on the world of ballet, and she is widely regarded as one of the greatest ballerinas of all time.

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