June 12: Today in Dance

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 remained there until she retired from the stage in 1952. She remained at the Bolshoi to teach and coach 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.

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Ballet Premiere: Apollo in 1928

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Check out more about dance at: https://www.dawndavisloring.com/todayindance

Dawn Davis Loring is delighted to announce the publication of her first book on dance: Dance Appreciation, co-authored by Julie L. Pentz. Available from Human Kinetics and from Amazon and other booksellers.