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 …
How a young man trained in Siberia became a principal dancer with Eifman Ballet and is now an in-demand choreographer in his own right. Read on for his inspiring story and click here for the Russian language version of this interview. Do you come from a family of dancers? In my family, unfortunately, no one …
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 …
After 11 years with the Mariinsky, Nail Enikeev finally received some well-deserved recognition. In the spring he was appointed a second soloist as he continues to perform solo character roles in numerous classical ballets. VaganovaToday discusses his artistic path and the recent changes in the theatre with him. Click here to read the Russian language …
Vyacheslav Samodurov’s “Tanz Tseni”, or “Dancing Scenes”, set to Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony in C, is a 30-minute modern ballet void of a storyline that offers unique step combinations in clever combinations against a backdrop of trendy, neon strip lighting and flashy costumes. The last ballet of an all-Stravinsky contemporary bill, the work premiered on April …
One of the audience’s favorite Mariinsky ballerinas, Ekaterina Osmolkina is now in her 26th season with the company and not just performing but rehearsing other dancers as well. She offered VaganovaToday the rare chance to speak with her about her long career and her professional philosophy. Read on for more details and click here for …
From Saratov, Russia to San Francisco, California, former Kirov Ballet soloist Nikolai Kabaniaev shares his philosophies about the art of ballet and teaching classical ballet in America. The Russian original of this interview can be found here. How did you get started in ballet? My mother worked in the Makeup, Hair and Wig Department of …
With 30 years’ experience on stage at the Mariinsky Theatre, from the corps de ballet to solo parts, Nikolai Naumov now primarily performs acting roles. He spoke with VaganovaToday about his career and about acting technique on stage in the great theatre. The Russian version of this interview can be found here. You were born …
Вы родились в Ташкенте. Ваша семья – балетная? Я родилась в Ташкенте, в тот период времени родители были там. Корни моей мамы из Башкирии. Примерно когда мне было 4 года, мы вернулись в республику Башкортостан, в город Стерлитамак. В детстве я была очень активным ребенком. Моя мама была педагогом. Когда ее дети выпускались, она взяла …