Ballet dancer, 90, is honored by the queen

Frederic Franklin, a ballet dancer still on the stage at 90, said it was the "most wonderful day of my life" as he received an honor from Queen Elizabeth II.

Franklin, who appeared in American Ballet Theater productions of "Romeo and Juliet" and "Swan Lake" in June, went to Buckingham Palace Tuesday to receive a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

"I told the queen that this was the most wonderful day of my life," he said.

British-born Franklin began his career in 1931 at the Casino de Paris and has performed throughout the world, establishing himself as a distinguished ballet master.

With Russian-born ballerina Alexandra Danilova, Franklin formed one of the legendary ballet partnerships of the 20th century. The pair danced together with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo from the late 1930s to the 1950s.

Earlier this month, he made his debut as a choreographer with Britain's Royal Ballet.

He said being around young dancers helped keep him young.

"I love what I do and I've always had a natural energy," Franklin said.