Ludmila TCHERINA (October 12 1924-March 21, 2004) was a French prima ballerina, sculptor, actress, painter, choreographer, and author of two novels. TCHERINA was born Monique TCHEMERZINE into a Caucassian aristocracy as the daughter of Kabardian Prince Avenir TCHEMERZINE, a former Russian general, who had escaped from St. Petersburg, and Stéphane FINETTE , a French woman. She started dancing at 16 with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, where she was spotted by Serge LIFAR. She then made her Paris debut in the role of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet in 1942, becoming the youngest prima ballerina in the history of dance. In 1945 she became a principal dancer with the Ballet des Champs-Élysées and performed in Paris concerts with her husband Edmond AUDRAN. Aside from dancing, TCHERINA also acted in several films (including The Red Shoes and Oh...Rosalinda!!) and appeared on television. The ballet dancer and actress had a lifelong passion for painting and exhibited in many major galleries. She also conceived and executed several monumental sculptures.