LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A ballet artist with nearly two decades of performances in Louisville is retiring.
Natalia Ashikhmina is retiring after 18 seasons with Louisville Ballet. She will give her final performance at Romeo and Juliet on March 2 at The Kentucky Center.
Ashikhmina's career has spanned three decades. She was born in Bratsk, Russia, and graduated from Novosibirsk Ballet Academy before becoming the youngest prima ballerina of the Russian National Ballet in Moscow.
She auditioned for the Louisville Ballet in 2006 when she was eight months pregnant. Ashikhmina has a vast array of principal roles including Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Kitri in Don Quixote and Cinderella in A Cinderella Story.
"I am so thankful and incredibly blessed to have had this beautiful 18-year period of my life within this community, with my Louisville Ballet family, my colleagues, partners, coaches, directors, donors, friends and audiences," Ashikhmina said in a news release. "Each of them has impacted me, shared their wisdom and given me a piece of their hearts. Their gift has shaped me into who I am today as an artist and a human."
Ashikhmina last performed the role of Juliet in 2013.
"Natalia Ashikhmina has graced the Louisville Ballet stage with her exquisite prima ballerina qualities, and shared a deep level of love and understanding of the fine art of classic ballet," Louisville Ballet artistic director Mikelle Bruzina said in a news release.
Tickets are available to be purchased on Louisville Ballet's website.
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