I believe you are talking about Marta Becket, the Ballerina of Death Valley Junction. She is alive and well, and though she does not dance anymore, she still has a show at the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel, which people still come to from far and wide to see. Here's some info on the Amargosa: http://www.amargosa-opera-house.com/index.htm. And here is a great piece that NPR did on Becket last summer: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91845687. Enjoy!