Anchutina, Leda (1915–1989)

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Anchutina, Leda (1915–1989)

Russian-born ballet dancer. Name variations: Leda Eglevsky. Born Mar 23, 1915, in Irkustk, Siberia; died Dec 15, 1989, in Massapequa, NY; m. André Eglevsky (ballet dancer, died Dec 1977).

Danced as one of George Balanchine's 1st pupils in US at School of American Ballet, NY; created roles as part of Balanchine's American Ballet and at Metropolitan Opera in works including Serenade (1934), Reminiscence (1935), Jeu de Cartes (1937), and Le Baiser de la Fée (1937); danced in 1st season of Balanchine students' Ballet Caravan; worked with William Dollar at Radio City Music Hall as première danseuse in The Three Glass Hearts (1939), and others; opened dance school with husband in Massapequa, Long Island, NY, where she taught classes; became school's director upon Eglevsky's death (1977).

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