The most popular interpretation is that Nina does die, but her death is the completion of the ballet. In Swan Lake , Odette dies to free herself from the curse. Nina dies to free herself from her overbearing mother (Erica), her virginity, and her technical rigidity. The ending is not sad; it is the ultimate artistic orgasm.
In her dying moments, Nina weeps: “I felt it. Perfect. I was perfect.” cisne negro final