Alicia Alonso: Legendary ballet dancer dies aged 98

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Cuban ballet dancer Alicia Alonso has died age 98, the country’s state media has announced.

Alonso is considered one of the greatest 20th Century ballerinas. She began to lose her sight at 19, relying on only the stage lights to guide her.

After the 1959 revolution, she helped found the National Ballet of Cuba with then leader Fidel Castro.

“Alicia Alonso has gone and left an enormous void but unbeatable legacy,” President Miguel Diaz-Canel said.

“She positioned Cuba at the altar of the best of dance worldwide. Thank you Alicia for your immortal work,” he added.

Born Alicia Ernestina de la Caridad Martínez del Hoyo on 21 December 1921, she first appeared on stage in 1931. She fell in love with ballet.