From his first steps inside the Vaganova Academy to a brilliant duet with Diana Vishneva, Konstantin Zverev is a rare example of a triumphal – even unexpected – ascent into the challenging but magical world of Russian and world classical ballet. To find out more about his phenomenal path, his views on the profession, and …
Anastasia Vasilets started her journey in distant Sevastopol, not knowing that later she would dance on the stage of the famous Imperial Theater, the Mariinsky, in St. Petersburg. In addition to her work in the ballet company, she began teaching, and now is the head of the Department of Character and Historical Dance at the …
29 November 2025 A few times a year, the restored Petipa masterpiece “The Pharaoh’s Daughter” runs on the expansive Mariinsky-2 stage. This three-act, nearly four-hour extravaganza features lush sets and costumes, and everything from a walk-on camel (performed by two adult men), a lion (done in the same manner), a jungle monkey (performed by an …
In 2017, Camilla Mazzi made history by becoming the first Italian female to join the Mariinsky Ballet. Having studied in her native Italy and polished her mastery in Moscow, Camilla quickly won the hearts of the Petersburg public and is now a leading soloist. Delve into her inspiring story below. For the Russian version of …
From a mining town in Siberia to the Mariinsky stage, soloist Maxim Izmestiev is living proof that positive thoughts can turn dreams into reality. Read below for the details of his story, or click here for the Russian version of the text. How did you get involved in ballet? My sister was the first to …
For their fall visit to Petersburg, the Bolshoi Ballet decided to bring the entertaining Soviet comedy “The Bright Stream,” an atypical production based heavily on pantomime, story line and comic relief, with contemporary dancing vignettes interspersed that include bizarre onstage machinations — a dog, bicycle, and oversized vegetables during the peasant harvest are a few …
Despite the recent promotions of Philippe Stepin to principal and Maria Iliushkina (last month) to prima ballerina at the Mariinsky, the perpetual discussion in Petersburg ballet circles over the lack of principal male dancers is one that does not easily disappear. Mariinsky artistic director Andrian Fadeev has demonstrated his eagerness to recognize and promote talent …
As autumn sets in, and following three “Bayaderes” which opened the 243rd season at the Mariinsky Theatre, a short run of “Don Quixote” offered a more upbeat note for local audiences whetting their appetites for more ballet. On September 13th, prima ballerina Oksana Skorik reprised the role of Kitri alongside Timur Askerov’s Basil on the …
Former first soloist Maria Iliushkina, who has charmed audiences with her emotional sensitivity, legato grace, innate lyricism and poetic interpretations of key roles, was promoted to prima ballerina at the Mariinsky on September 19th, just prior to performing in “Swan Lake”. Artistic Director Andrian Fadeev made the announcement prior to curtain backstage. To read about …
There are stars that are born and those that are made. Minchul Jeon, who trained in Korea, veers more to the latter group, given his long lines, easy jumps, perfect carriage and smooth turns. This newcomer to the Mariinsky drew much anticipation after colleague Kimin Kim recommended him to the troupe. Jeon brought not only …