Altynai Asylmuratova - Nikiya's Death (La Bayadere)

[MasterpieceDanceCA]

A former ballet star at the height of her success, technique and artistry. No wonder the Russian Ministry selected her for her assignment as Artistic Director of the Vaganova Ballet Academy, St. Petersburg.

[palubob]

The mosy beautiful Nikiya ever, and perhaps the best. The wonderful Gerd Larsen was the most effective scene-stealer in 20th century ballet.

[Solange513]

She's the best Nikiya I know

[Pearlaceous]

@Solange513 Mine too! :-)

[Pearlaceous]

The sublime Altynai - my favourite Nikiya!

[circae2012]

@Pearlaceous Yes, she's sublime and extremely elegant. Altynai's born Nikiya, my favourite too.

[Leonnidik]

Was that Ninette de Valois handing her the snake basket?

Altynai had style, grace, powerful stage presence, beauty, and the best ribs in the business.

[Pearlaceous]

@Leonnidik Ninette *was* the snake ...

[avesraggiana]

@Leonnidik No, not Ninette De Valois. That was Gerd Larsen, a long time and long serving character dancer with the RB. In the vintage RB Swan Lake recording with Dowell and Makarova, she plays the Queen Mother.

[Leonnidik]

@avesraggiana - LOL! I know, I was kidding!!!