Ukrainian ballerina Valentyna Kalinovska passes away at 87

On June 1, at the age of 87, the outstanding ballerina Valentyna Kalynovska passed away. For more than 20 years, she captivated fans of the art of ballet, performing in classical and modern performances.

The Taras Shevchenko National Opera of Ukraine announced this sad news.

“Valentyna’s performances on the most prestigious world stages popularized Ukrainian ballet art outside the country, opening it up to numerous international festivals.”

With her talented performances, she adorned many famous performances, including “Shurale” (the role of the bird girl Syuimbike), “Spartacus” (Aegina), “Stone Flower” (Mistress of the Copper Mountain), “The Legend of Love” (Mekhmene-banu), “The Corsair” (Medora), “Giselle” (Mirta), “The Fountain of Bakhchisarai” (Zarema), “The Blue Danube” (Francisca), “The Stone Master” (Donna Anna) and, of course, Carmen – her image became a standard for subsequent artists.

Valentina Kalinovska’s performances became part of the golden fund of Ukrainian choreographic art. She amazed the audience with her dynamics, expressive plate, and acting skills.

“Her loss is a great grief for the artistic community because Valentina’s performing style was distinguished by high academicism, refined culture, and artistry. The name of Valentina Kalinovska will remain in the memory of those who worked with her, as well as in the numerous videos that have preserved for us her unique dance, which corresponds to the golden age of Ukrainian ballet.”

The causes of the ballerina’s death have not yet been disclosed.

It is also reported that the father of the famous singer Rihanna, Ronald Fenty, died in Los Angeles.