Ballet Legend Spohr Dies

Iconic Canadian ballet dancer and choreographer ARNOLD SPOHR has died of chronic kidney disease at the age of 86.

Spohr, who served as artistic director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for 30 years, died on 12 April (10) in Winnipeg.

British monarch Queen Elizabeth II granted a royal charter to the company in 1953, and Spohr was made director five years later.

In 1970, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and was promoted to Companion in 2003. In 2000, he was awarded a civilian honour, the Order of Manitoba.

Spohr is survived by a nephew, Gregory Spohr.