Age is a cruel mistress in the dance world, and for Martine Lemy, principal ballerina of Canada’s National Ballet, a fortieth birthday spells the end of a career. “Just when she is feeling at her most healthy, both physically and emotionally, she is giving up her principal-dancer contract and leaving the company at the end of this season.” The issue isn’t whether she can still dance – she can – but for how long she can dance. Lemy had already taken herself out of the company’s longest productions due to decreasing stamina, “which makes her a financial liability to a cash-poor company.” She offered to come back for less money, but the company declined the offer.