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CHEVY CHASE, Md., Feb 3, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Former Joffrey Ballet star and Washington Ballet school Director Rebecca Wright has died of cancer in Chevy Chase, Md., at age 58.
Wright died Sunday, the New York Times reported Friday.
Wright was the star of New York's Joffrey Ballet in the 1960s and 1970s. She originated roles in many signature Gerald Arpino works such as "Trinity," "Kettentanz," "Confetti," "Cello Concerto" and "Valentine."
She also danced the leads in John Cranko's "Pineapple Poll," Frederick Ashton's "Facade," Ashton's "Dream" and Léonide Massine's "Beau Danube."
Wright also performed as a soloist at the American Ballet Theater from 1975 to 1982, originating roles in ballets by Agnes de Mille, in Mary Skeaping's "Sleeping Beauty" and in the company director Mikhail Baryshnikov's production of "Don Quixote."
In 1982 she danced a featured role in Broadway's "Merlin" and appeared in several films including "The Turning Point."
Wright is survived by two sons, her parents and a brother.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
