August 11
Born Today:
Allegra Kent
Ballerina Allegra Kent (1937-) studied ballet with Bronislava Nijinska (1891-1972) and Carmelita Maracci (1908-1987) as a youngster before joining the School of American Ballet to work with George Balanchine, joining NYCB at the age of 15. Just four years later, she was promoted to the rank of Principal Dancer and premiered her role in Ivesiana (1954), and she performed in many of his most notable pieces, including Agon (1957) and Serenade (1935). Since retiring in 1981, she wrote the children’s book, Ballerina Swan, which has been adapted for the stage.