Russia celebrates centennial of ballet legend Ulanova's birth

Various commemorative activities were held Friday to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary Russian ballerina Galina Ulanova.

At her tomb in the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow, many gathered to lay down flower bouquets and light candles, while in Russia's major theaters tribute concerts were held to mark the occasion.

"Not only I myself, but the whole Russian people love her. I have to say she is our legend. She is a world-famous ballet actor," said Yuri Sergeyevich, a long-time fan of Ulanova.

Born on Jan. 8, 1910 to a ballet family, Ulanova studied in the Petrograd Ballet School under outstanding Russian ballet teacher Agrippina Vaganova.

She began performing in the Malinsky theater in 1928 and served as the soloist at the Bolshoi Theater from 1944 to 1960.

Ulanova was the prima ballerina in many classic ballet pieces such as "Swan Lake," "Giselle," "Sleeping Beauty," "Nutcracker Suite," and "Romeo and Juliet."

Ulanova, who was considered one of the greatest ballet dancers of the 20th century, passed away after a long illness in 1998.

Source: Xinhua