Darcey Bussell.

She has been the nearest thing to royalty in the British ballet world for the past 19 years, a household name known by bus driver and banker alike. And now, at the peak of her professional life, Darcey Bussell, 36, has decided to retire. "I have always wanted to end my full-time career while dancing the classical repertoire at the standard to which I aspire," she says.

Bussell's unforced, silky-smooth technique and well-developed characterizations made her the model of the British ballet establishment. Born in London and trained at the Royal Ballet School, she was a member of Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet before being plucked at the age of 19 by Kenneth MacMillan to create the leading role in his Prince of the Pagodas. Bussell became MacMillan's muse and the darling of Covent Garden goers. Three months after her Royal Ballet debut, she was promoted to principal.

In addition to her impeccable English schooling in the classics, Bussell delighted in works by Balanchine, Forsythe, Tharp, and Robbins. For her fresh face, wonderful smile, and genuine interest in other people, the British public adored Bussell, whose portrait hangs in London's National Portrait Gallery. For the 2006-07 RB season, she will dance intermittently as principal guest artist. She will devote the remainder of her time to her husband, Angus Forbes, and their two daughters.