Cyd Charisse was an “Easy to Love” “Party Girl” in “Silk Stockings” who was “Singin’ in the Rain.” Dancing was her second nature and she always made a perfect match with her dance partners, like Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. She danced her way through life, leaving behind unforgettable moments like the one in “The Band Wagon” when she was dancing with Fred Astaire or her performance in “Party Girl,” wearing that delicious pink dress.

Unfortunately, the dancer and actress who worked in show business for more than 60 years, died Tuesday, June 17, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She was 86-years-old and the cause of death was apparently a heart attack.

According to the New York Daily News, spokesman Gene Schwam said that the “loving and gracious woman” died of heart failure. Charisse was married to singer Tony Martin and they had recently celebrated their 60^th anniversary.

Schwam also said that Charisse remained “stylish and graceful” throughout her life.

Unlike many actresses of her time who saw dance as more of a hobby, Charisse was a talented professional, whose passion and devotion took her on one of the highest pedestals. Before teaming up with Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly, she was a ballerina. She was not acting, she was dancing.

“You couldn't mistake her for anyone else. You don't compare Cyd Charisse with anybody. She was a dancer,” said Broadway star Chita Rivera, according to the Washington Post.

Charisse joined the Ballet Russe in 1930 and her first movie appearance was in “Something to Shout About,” in 1943 with Don Ameche as her partner. Her talent and beauty helped her sign a long-term contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

She lived up to the name Fred Astaire had given her, being “beautiful dynamite” and spreading energy and beauty wherever she went. If you’d name the dance she could do it, whether she had to time step or cha-cha. Just watch again the performance from “The Band Wagon” when she and Astaire dance in the bar. Her beautiful long legs looked like they had a life of their own and the timing was impeccable. They were in perfect synchronization.

While for other women dancing on high heels could seem difficult, choreographer Ann Reinking remembered that Charisse had no problem doing so, making it look like the easiest thing in the world. She said practice was the key. She managed to express emotions through her dance, proving that words weren’t always necessary. Her art was also her way of living and she remained true to herself, making no compromises.

Charisse’s complex personality and beauty made her one of a kind.

Charisse was born on March 8, 1921 in Amarillo, Texas and conquered the world with her dance, talent and beauty. She appeared in many movies, dazzling everyone with her performance. “Party Girl,” Twilight for the Gods,” “Silk Stockings,” and, of course, “Singin’ in the Rain” are some of the movies in which she amazed us with her dancing.

Although she was too good to be true, Charisse managed to combine grace and power, giving people the chance to see a piece of heaven.