Lithuanians in the News
12th June 2009
International Award to Prima Ballerina Eglė Špokaitė
Eglė Špokaitė receiving her award, from Maya Plisetskaya (right)
and Rodion Shchedrin (left) . Photo courtesy Lietuvos Rytas
Lithuania’s Prima Ballerina is the recipient of an award by the International Maya Plisetskaya and Rodion Shchedrin Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2000 to support talented young artists in ballet, dance and music. The award was personally presented to Eglė Špokaitė by Maya Plisetskaya after Eglė Špokaitė’s performance in the ballet “Anna Karenina” in Vilnius on May 20, 2009.
Russian-born husband and wife Maya Plisetskaya and Rodion Shchedrin are world renowned artists in their respective fields. Plisetskaya is one of the world’s most famous prima ballerinas and Shchedrin is a famous composer. The ballet “Anna Karenina” was originally composed by Shchedrin for his wife. Plisetskaya and Shchedrin regularly spend their summers at Trakai near Vilnius and both are Lithuanian citizens.
Eglė Špokaitė is a foremost Lithuanian prima ballerina. She has danced with Lithuanian Ballet since 1989. In a distinguished dancing career she has received many awards and recognitions. Her current award is the second one she has received from Maya Plisetskaya. In 1994 she received the bronze medal in the International Maya Plisetskaya competition in St. Petersburg. Describing Eglė’s artistry, Maya Plisetskaya declared: ”Eglė makes the soul quiver. She is a true great artist….. I have observed Eglė for many years. She always distinguished herself with artistry.”

Further information: www.lrytas 20/12/09   www.opera.lt/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabID=349