Genesia Rosato has retired from The Royal Ballet after an incredible 40 year career with the London company. Rosato joined in 1976 and was quickly promoted to soloist in 1982. By 1993 she was a principal character artist, a position she’s held ever since.
‘It is time, after spending my whole career with this wonderful Company, to retire from dancing,’ said Rosato. ‘I have loved my life as a dancer, and I know I will miss working with the many talented and dedicated individuals who make up The Royal Ballet.’
She was a favourite of revered British choreographer Frederick Ashton, who created roles for her in Rhapsody and Varii Capricci. He also had her take on iconic Russian ballerina Violetta Elvin’s roles in Cinderella, Daphnis and Chloe and Birthday Offering.
Kevin O’Hare, director of The Royal Ballet, said: ‘she has made a great contribution to the Company as a dancer and latterly bringing her dramatic gifts to a wide variety of roles in both the classics and heritage works.’
Other career highlights include Profane Love in Illuminations; Katya in A Month in the Country; Myrtha, Bathilde and Berthe in Giselle; Lady Capulet and the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet; and the title role in MacMillan’s one-act version of Anastasia.
Rosato has yet to announce if she will continue working in ballet in a teaching, artistic or administrative role.
