Ladies

The allure of classical ballet traditionally valued female youth more highly than almost anything else: Beyond the age of 40, top-level athletic, wrinkle-free performances were generally over anyway. Exceptions like Margot Fonteyn or Marcia Haydée, who lasted two decades longer, proved the rule. The Paris Opera still retires stars and starlets alike at the age of 42, and although saying goodbye is difficult for many, quite a few also feel relief. Physical wear and tear, whether gradual or sudden, knows no escape—and roles suitable for middle age practically don't exist. Which is why the now-established and quite celebrated "senior ensembles" (i.e., 40+) have to create entirely new repertoire. Whether Alessandra Ferri, for whom Wayne McGregor and John Neumeier recently tailored distinctive ...