Former ABT superstar, Cynthia Gregory is celebrating a birthday today. Known for her strong, dramatic stage presence, strength and technical prowess, Gregory wowed audiences for 30 years.  She is most often associated with the dual roles from Swan Lake of Odette/Odile in which she debuted in 1967.  It was also her farewell performance with Fernando Bujones in 1991.  RB had the good fortune to see Gregory and Bujones perform Swan Lake in Chicago in the late 80s.  Gregory did a balance in the Black Swan pas that was RIDICULOUS!  It stopped the show.

Check out some of her balancing power in this excerpt from Sleeping Beauty (Rose Adagio).  Chills!

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB0pjYItVUQ&feature=related]