Story By: Feza Uzay, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency:  Newsflash

A beautiful Russian dancer who encouraged her Instagram followers to enjoy the little things in life and avoid negativity in the New Year has been shot dead at point-blank range.

Natalya Pronina, 30, was killed by an armed bodyguard who was a regular visitor to her performances although it was not revealed what the relationship was between the two.

The shooting happened on Profsoyuznaya Street in the Russian capital Moscow on the evening of 23rd December.

The dancer died after the masked bodyguard shot her twice with a handgun before going on the run, according to reports.

Police recovered two bullet cases from the scene and the young woman was hospitalised in a serious condition and later succumbed to her injuries.

She had been a dancer since the age of six and regularly took part in international competitions as well as working as a celebrity choreographer.

In her last post on Instagram, she wrote: “You can choose your own mood! Don’t give in to despondency and the blues! Take the time to do things that make you happy, have pleasant moments, travel, enjoy the little things and many emotions. Get rid of fear, get rid of negativity and don’t go back to places that make you feel bad.”

She added: “Happiness is when there is a person to wish you good morning, good night; and just to know that they are waiting for you.”

Her alleged killer has been named as Crimean man Alexander Kravchenko, 33, whose motive is not known.

A criminal case has been initiated into the murder.

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