Beriosova, Svetlana (1932–1998)

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Beriosova, Svetlana (1932–1998)

Lithuanian-born British ballerina. Born 1932 in Kaunas, Lithuania; died Nov 1998 in London, England; dau. of Nicholas Berisov-Beržaitis.

Beloved British ballerina during the great days of the Royal ballet, was noted for her acting ability and superior technique; 1st trained as dancer by father; moved with family to US (1940) and studied ballet at Vilzak Scholler School; danced with Grand Ballet de Monte Carlo, Metropolitan Ballet in London, and as soloist for Sadler's Wells; toured widely and appeared in many roles, including The Hostess in Les Biches, the Bride in Les Noces, title role in Persephone, Fairy in The Fairy's Kiss, and Lady Elgar in Enigma Variations; also known for her Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty; appeared in film The Soldier's Tale (1963); retired (1975) in order to teach.

See also A.H. Franks, Svetlana Beriosova: A Biography (1978).

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