Ballerina Sylvie Guillem to bow out aged 50

The protégé of Rudolf Nureyev will retire this year

Sylvie Guillem (© photographer Lesley Leslie-Spinks)

Sylvie Guillem, renowned as one of the finest dancers of her generation, is to hang up her ballet pumps in May after 39 years.

The dancer who was handpicked to become one of the top dancers at the Paris Opera Ballet by Rudolf Nureyev at the age of 19 will retire next year.

Life in Progress on May 31 at Sadler’s Wells will be the last time Ms Guillem takes to the stage in London before she goes on a farewell tour that concludes in Tokyo in December.

“After 39 years of practice I have decided to take my final bow,” the dancer, who turns 50 in February, said. “I have loved every moment… So why stop? Very simply, because I want to end while I am still happy doing what I do with pride and passion.”

Meanwhile, the English National Ballet, which is a touring company with no permanent base, revealed yesterday it would become Sadler’s Wells first Associate Company. It will now present a programme of work at the theatre as well as continuing to tour around the UK.

Turtle power: Sylvie Guillem and Rudolf Nureyev in 1986 (Rex Features)

Alistair Spalding, artistic director of Sadler’s Wells, said: “I knew that Tamara wanted the ENB to have more of a base somewhere; and we’re going to develop new ideas together.”

Ms Rojo added yesterday that the success of BBC primetime show Strictly Come Dancing had helped boost dancing and allowed the ENB to stage more modern work.