Last week, another former City Ballet dancer, Benjamin Millepied, was tapped to run the Paris Opera Ballet.

WSJ: Protecting Ballet's Global Reach

During her career, Bussell has also performed with the New York City Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, Australian Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | Darcey Bussell's dance to the top

In 1947, Mr. Balanchine became a guest choreographer with the Paris Opera Ballet Company, and Ms. Tallchief became the first American to perform with the company.

WSJ: Ballet Legend Maria Tallchief Dies at 88

Mr. Hallberg began his study in Phoenix, continued at the Paris Opera Ballet for a year, then studied at ABT and joined its second company in 2000.

WSJ: Protecting Ballet's Global Reach

She left the Paris Opera Ballet in 1989.

WSJ: Sylvie Guillem | Leaving Ballet Behind | Dance Review by