me the youngest person ever to join George Balanchine's New York City Ballet, and at 19, she was promoted to the rank of principal dancer. Since t

two qualities that have enabled her to remain one of the world's top ballerinas for so long. First is her boundless energy; second is her genuine love for people and the world of ballet

g because they wanted to let go the four extra couples that were needed for that part. It was very strange - like having dessert before the meal." She laughed lightly, tossing back her long, silky brown hair. "The TV

out doing ballet on television is that you can reach many people who have never seen live dance before. About two years ago I got a beautiful letter

t was the first one that Balanchine choreographed

Bejart's Ballet of the 20th Century in Brussels, Belgium. When she finally wrote to Balanc

ballet, with little costume and scenery, they might not take to it as much. ... But it was a good thing to have in my career. I demand that I ge

erica's major companies. Although the couple must undergo some long separations, their marriage is a happy one. Spending time alone at her Lincoln Center area apartment do

s about 2 o'clock. I happen to get up about 6. ... On Monday, my free day, I teach at the American School of Ballet. It's such a shock to do two performances on Saturday and Sunday, and none on Monday. It

: "I'm a great short-order cook. I think if I weren't a dancer, I'd be a waitress." Two local r

he sole attraction is working for Balanchine and the New York City Ballet: that's something you can't put down in dollars and cents. I just assume that the company is payi

**

ER JULE

r for Popey