When the White Nights Festival opened in May 2026, one particular debut hinted at a very bright future for one ballet soloist. Maria Bulanova reprised the role of Odette/Odile a second time in early July, and the results proved spectacular. At 175 cm, this frank, hard-working ballerina might not have been the typical choice for …
Ever since the Bolshoi joined the Mariinsky under one institutional umbrella, similar to the structure of the Imperial Theatres decades ago, when even the Warsaw Imperial Theatre was under the umbrella of Russian reign, the current organizational structure instigated a set of exchanges between the Bolshoi and Mariinsky on an annual basis when the ballet …
“Raymonda” seems to be an exclusively Russian ballet phenomenon, performed rarely, if at all, in the West. The first time one views the Mariinsky classic, it seems almost old-fashioned, but considering its conception stems from 1898 and its setting is France during the crusades, it’s appropriate that stone castles and armored crusaders use rudimentary methods …
A talented soloist with self-deprecating humor, humble honesty and electric jumps on stage, Maria Bulanova is in-demand for roles like Myrtha, Kitri, Gamzatti and Firebird. Recently she debuted in the crowning role of the classical repertoire, that of Odette-Odile in “Swan Lake” which denotes her path to the top. Read about her unique path to …
Having joined the Vaganova Academy in the tumultuous 1990s in Russia, Alexei Nedviga has witnessed the shifts of several generations of dancers in St. Petersburg. This experienced dancer has performed in works ranging from Forsythe to the entire Petipa repertoire, and 7 years ago returned to his roots – at the Vaganova Academy – where …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The “My Maya” production, created with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives along with a team of professionals and dedicated to what would be Maya Plisetskaya’s 100th birthday this November, took place ahead of other celebrations in mid-September at the Bolshoi Dramatic Theatre in Saint Petersburg. Produced by Sergey Velichkin, the gala …