June 12
Born Today:
Marina Semyonova
Ballerina Marina Semyonova (1908-2010) was one of the first famous students of revered teacher Agrippina Vaganova (1879-1951), graduating from the Soviet ballet program in 1925. Semyonova went on to dance for the Kirov before she was transferred to the Bolshoi in 1930 by order of Joseph Stalin, and she performed there until retiring from the stage in 1952. She remained on staff on at the Bolshoi to teach and coach dancers as a répétiteur until the age of 96. Her most famous students included Maya Plisetskaya (1925-2015) and Natalya Bessmertnova (1941-2008).
Also Born Today: Tap dancer Ray Winfield (1912-1967) is best known for being a member of the performing group, Tip, Tap and Toe and for his slide moves. Austrian ballet dancer Edeltraud Brexner (1927-2021) joined the Vienna State Opera Ballet in 1944 and later served on the faculty.
------
Ballet Premiere: Apollo in 1928