Allegra Kent was born in Santa Monica, California. When in California she studied with Bronislava and Irina Nijinska, and Carmelita Maracci, and then at the School of American Ballet in New York City.

She joined New York City Ballet in 1953 and four years later became a Principal Dancer. Ms Kent is known as being an exceptionally lyrical dancer for whom Mr. Balanchine created many roles including a section of Ivesiana, Agon, Bugaku, Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet, and Seven Deadly Sins, with Lotte Lenya. Jerome Robbins created Dances at a Gathering and Dumbarton Oaks for Ms Kent. She also appeared in the Broadway musical Shinbone Alley and has made numerous guest appearances abroad.

Ms Kent retired in 1981 but continues to teach and coach the Balanchine repertory. "Water Beauty Book" and "The Dancer's Body Book" have been joined by her latest book, an autobiography, "Once A dancer", which was published in 1997.

She is the mother of three children and resides in New York City.