Where were you in June 1914? Chances are, you’re not quite sure. It was a month before World War I (as it was later known) began. And Frederic Franklin was born. He went on to become a big ballet star. He was the regular partner of Danilova. Also, just by the by, he danced with Josephine Baker. And he is still with us.

So what? you say. There are plenty of men who are 96. And I wouldn’t contradict you. But here’s the thing: I saw him onstage last night. He was Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet. He did not do much dancing; I’m not claiming any leaps or anything. But he still looked like a dancer: very much. And that’s not bad, is it?