The former Royal Ballet star, Nadia Nerina has died in France after a long illness.

A very unique dancer whom I remember as having a very personal style, Nerina was very much a creature of the air and is remembered to this day for her soaring jumps. Although still dancing when I first started regular ballet going in the 60's she was to become a guest artist with the company, winding down her performances before her retirement at the end of the decade.

Although most associated with the Royal Ballet, Nerina also guested with the Bolshoi and towards the end of her career performed in more modern works with Western Theatre Ballet.

This obituary appeared in today's Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2008/oct/08/dance

I think Ms Clarke has made an error concerning Ondine as I believe it was premiered earlier than 1964, probably 1959 or 1960.

An obituary by Bruce Weber, New York Times News Service published in the Boston Globe:

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I so wish that I had seen her dance! I've admired photos since I was a child. May she rest in peace and dance on in our hearts and memories...