Alicia Alonso, one one of the greatest ballerinas, dies aged 98

Cuban ballet dancer Alicia Alonso, one of the greatest 20th Century ballerinas, has died age 98, with president Miguel Diaz-Canel saying "Alicia Alonso has gone and left an enormous void but unbeatable legacy", Independent reports. BBC has a short biography. After the 1959 revolution, she helped found the National Ballet of Cuba with then leader Fidel Castro. The company brought ballet to everyone with performances in factories and other workplaces. Alonso continued to direct the company until her 70s and also kept dancing during that time. She began to lose her sight at 19, relying on only the stage lights to guide her. During her recovery, teachers came to her bedside to teach her the steps to Giselle, moving her fingers to practice the steps. "They told me I'd never dance again. Well I did dance again" - Alonso said.