Darci Kistler

Darci Kistler, the last of the "Balanchine Ballerinas," bid adieu to the New York City Ballet this year after dancing with the company for three decades. Kistler, who was hand-picked by famed choreographer George Balanchine, began her stellar career with the company at the age of 16.

Kistler's farewell performance this summer included excerpts from Balanchine's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Swan Lake," choreographed by Kistler's husband, Peter Martins.

Joaquin De Luz as Oberon (left) gestures at Darci Kistler, in the role of Titania, in the New York City Ballet's production of George Balanchine's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Tuesday, June 21, 2005, in New York.

kistler_and_Nikolaj_Hubbe_dance_balanchines_apollo_music_stravinksy_copyright_paul_kolnik.jpg — Paul Kolnik/New York City Ballet

Darci Kistler and Nikolaj Hubbe dance George Balanchine's "Apollo," with music by Stravinsky.

Nikolaj Hubbe and Darci Kistler rehearse for a performance at the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, Mass., Saturday, June 15, 2002.

New York City Ballet dancers Nikolaj Hubbe and Darci Kistler rehearse for a performance at the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, Mass., Saturday, June 15, 2002.

Darcy Kistler, left, adjusts six-year-old Mia Cardillo's legs as Katrina Killian, right, adjusts Cardillo's feet, during auditions for new students at the School of American Ballet in New York, Monday, May 7, 2007. It was the first time in the school's 73-year history that six-year-olds were allowed to audition.

Kistler adjusts and stretches Arianna Tsivkin's leg and toe as the six-year-old participates in auditions. The School of American Ballet, founded by choreographer George Ballanchine, is the official training academy of the New York City Ballet.

Faculty members Garielle Whittle and co-chairman of faculty Kay Mazzo (standing) look on as Katrina Kittle, kneeling, and Darci Kistler evaluate a student's ballet position during auditions for new students at the School of American Ballet in New York, Monday, May 7, 2007.

Kistler adjusts six-year-old Lylah Ahroni's position during auditions for new students at the School of American Ballet in New York, Monday, May 7, 2007.

Kistler takes her final bows at Lincoln Center.

Nick Hunt/PatrickMcMullan.com/Sipa via AP Images

Darci Kistler and Peter Martins with their daughter Talicia Martins at the Ne wYork City Ballet's Fall Gala in Lincoln Center, October 7, 2010.