I can't link to the obit in the New York Times,
but Maria Benitez died about ten days ago, September 3rd.
She was 82 years old.

Her Teatro Flamenco came to New York City on a regular basis;
she introduced many to Spanish dance.
In New Mexico she was a cultural institution in her own right.

I met her a few times.
She was like a typical ballerina, tiny, with little bird bones.
But on stage under the lights, she was larger than life.
A tremendous performer and a dedicated artist.