For the much-heralded opening of its new theatre, the Royal Opera House had its pick of the world’s female dancers to perform with Herman Cornejo, its dashing Argentinian.
It went for a 55-year-old ballerina who admits that she cannot jump any more.
Alessandra Ferri continues what has become one of the most remarkable comebacks in artistic history tonight after being honoured with opening Covent Garden’s Linbury Theatre alongside 37-year-old Cornejo, one of the greatest male dancers.
The pioneer for mature dancers, who is a former principal at the Royal Ballet and the muse for some of the great choreographers, had retired in 2007 after a stellar career in an art form renowned for its brutal impact on the human body.
Her return to the stage
