Three ABT Legends to Retire in 2015

Exciting things are underfoot at American Ballet Theatre as they begin their 75th anniversary season. But this week brought bittersweet news: Three of their principal dancers have announced their retirements. Paloma Herrera, Julie Kent and Xiomara Reyes will retire at the end of ABT’s 2015 season in New York City.

All three stars will dance iconic roles for their farewell performances: Paloma Herrera will play Aurora in Alexei Ratmansky’s new production of The Sleeping Beauty on June 9, Julie Kent will perform Juliet in Romeo and Juliet on June 20, and Xiomara Reyes will dance the title role in Giselle on May 27. “With them, an era of our history resides,” artistic director Kevin McKenzie said in a statement. “Their remarkable careers will be three more reasons to celebrate our 75th anniversary season.”