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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Ballerinas Dance Into History

Nichols, Ferri star in weekend farewells

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(Newser) – Two of the dance world's biggest names took their leave this weekend as Alessandra Ferri and Kyra Nichols sashayed into retirement in touchingly similar fashion—onstage with their young children in a hail of cheers and flowers. Nichols, 48, bowed out after 33 years with New York City Ballet; Ferri, 44, had been with American Ballet Theatre since 1985.

Ferri, a tiny spitfire who trained at La Scala in her native Milan before making her name with London's Royal Ballet, danced her signature role, Juliet, last night at the Metropolitan Opera House. Nichols, one of the last of the Balanchine ballerinas, chose works by the legendary choreographer for her finale Friday at the New York State Theater.

In this image made available by Rosalie O'Connor, Alessandra Ferri acknowledges the audience during her farewell performance in New York on Saturday, June 23, 2007. Ferri and Kyra Nichols, beloved ballerinas with more than a half-century of performing between them, are as different in style and temperament as they come....
In this image made available by Rosalie O'Connor, Alessandra Ferri acknowledges the audience during her farewell performance in New York on Saturday, June 23, 2007. Ferri and Kyra Nichols, beloved ballerinas...   (Associated Press)
In this image made available by Paul Kolnik, Kyra Nichols performs during her farewell appearance in New York on Friday, June 22, 2007. Nichols and Alessandra Ferri, beloved ballerinas with more than a half-century of performing between them, are as different in style and temperament as they come. But they...
In this image made available by Paul Kolnik, Kyra Nichols performs during her farewell appearance in New York on Friday, June 22, 2007. Nichols and Alessandra Ferri, beloved ballerinas with more than...   (Associated Press)
Alessandra Ferri in
Alessandra Ferri in "Giselle".(AP Photo)   (Associated Press)
USA. New York City. American Ballet Theatre. Dancers Deanne Albert, Cynthia Balfour, Cynthia Anderson, Cheryl Yeager and Alessandra Ferri. 1987. (LON31561)
USA. New York City. American Ballet Theatre. Dancers Deanne Albert, Cynthia Balfour, Cynthia Anderson, Cheryl Yeager and Alessandra Ferri. 1987. (LON31561)   (Magnum Photos)
In this image made available by Paul Kolnik, Kyra Nichols acknowledges the audience during her farewell performance in New York on Friday, June 22, 2007. Nichols and Alessandra Ferri, beloved ballerinas with more than a half-century of performing between them, are as different in style and temperament as they come....
In this image made available by Paul Kolnik, Kyra Nichols acknowledges the audience during her farewell performance in New York on Friday, June 22, 2007. Nichols and Alessandra Ferri, beloved ballerinas...   (Associated Press)
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Alessandra Ferri • Kyra Nichols • ballet • New York City Ballet • American Ballet Theatre • dance • La Scala • Milan • Royal Ballet

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