Irena Bazhenova, ballerina and teacher at the Mariinsky Theater, has died

Ballet dancer and teacher Irena Bazhenova has died. This was reported on December 21 in the press service of the Mariinsky Theater.

It was specified that the ballerina died on December 19.

"In the 89th year of life died after a long illness Irena Leonidovna Bazhenova," - stated in the message on the website of the theater.

The Mariinsky Theater staff expressed condolences to Bazhenova's family, friends, and numerous students.

Irena Bazhenova graduated from the Leningrad Choreographic School in 1953. After graduation she spent 24 years of her life working at the Mariinsky Theatre as both a soloist and a teacher. In 1976, she began teaching at her alma mater. Bazhenova is remembered by audiences as the performer of the role of Lilac in the 1964 film-ballet Sleeping Beauty.