Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


0

Donkey Retires From Ballet

Monika ends successful run with Russia's Mariinsky ballet

Share

(Newser) – A veteran Russian artiste is headed for retirement today: Monika, a 21-year-old female donkey. She has performed for 19 years as the trusty steed of Sancho Panza in the Mariinsky ballet's production of Don Quixote. "She loves to perform and she loves applause," said Tatyana Solomatina of the St. Petersburg zoo, where Monika lives between performances.

"She knew the exact time to appear in the ballet, even without someone accompanying her," Solomatina added. The troupe held a goodbye party for Monika, dancing with her and giving her gifts including carrot cake. Monika's role will be assumed by Alina, a younger, female donkey, Reuters reports.

A ballet dancer performs during the Laureus World Sports Awards at the Mariinsky Concert Hall on February 18, 2008 in St.Petersburg, Russia.
A ballet dancer performs during the Laureus World Sports Awards at the Mariinsky Concert Hall on February 18, 2008 in St.Petersburg, Russia.   ((Ian Walton/Getty Images))
A donkey is seen in this undated file photo.
A donkey is seen in this undated file photo.   (Wikimedia Commons)
A ballet dancer performs during the Laureus World Sports Awards at the Mariinsky Concert Hall on February 18, 2008 in St.Petersburg, Russia.
A ballet dancer performs during the Laureus World Sports Awards at the Mariinsky Concert Hall on February 18, 2008 in St.Petersburg, Russia.   ((Ian Walton/Getty Images))
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.24.09
Murdoch and Microsoft: The Mice Are Trying to Roar
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
0 comments
VIEWING:
 
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

12 Stories

 Vandals Rip Lenin a New One 


Apr 1, 09 1:04 PM CDT
(Newser) - A bomb exploded this morning at a St. Petersburg tribute to Vladimir Lenin, opening a gaping hole in the statue's backside, the BBC reports. “As a result of the explosion a crater of 31-39 inches appeared on the monument,” a Russian official said. The motive for the attack... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Russia • vandalism • bomb • explosion • statue • monument • St. Petersburg • Communism • Vladimir Lenin

Tough-as-Nails Pooty-Poot Is Also an Artiste

Russian PM's painting fetches $1.15M
 at charity auction

Jan 19, 09 7:21 AM CST
(Newser) - Vladimir Putin has a murky past with the KGB, a black belt in judo, and the public image of a tough guy, so when the Russian PM tried his hand at fine art, patrons sat up. Putin painted a scene of snowfall seen through a window for a charity auction... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Russia • Vladimir Putin • art • St. Petersburg • art auction

 25 Dead in Israel Bus Crash 

Russian tourists among victims of accident

Dec 16, 08 11:31 AM CST
(Newser) - At least 25 people were killed when a bus full of Russian tourists plunged into a ravine in Israel today, Haaretz reports. At least 12 more are in serious condition. The bus contained roughly 60 passengers traveling from St. Petersburg to the Red Sea resort of Eilat. The incident is... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Russia • Israel • crash • St. Petersburg • tourists • bus accident • Eilat

12 Stories


Mariinsky's festival comparitively meager this year: reviewer
St. Petersburg Times (Russia)


Arts & Living  •  World 
TwitterFollow @NewserArts on Twitter

 
Russia • ballet • St. Petersburg • animal • donkey • Mariinsky ballet • Don Quixote • St. Petersburg zoo

from our news partners