Style DEC (01.12.16)

18 Style | report
To become a prima ballerina requires many years of tuition and
practice. What age were you when you started ballet, and where
did you start learning?
I entered ballet school at the Vaganova Institute when I was eight
years old and graduated at 18, so 10 years of study – and not just
ballet, we also had regular schoolwork to do: maths, history, etc. To
become a leading dancer takes even longer. I danced for five years
before reaching principal status, dancing every day, practising every
day.
Was the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre the first company you
joined?
Yes, I joined SPBT [in 1998] as I liked the idea of a company that
specialised in full-length classical works.
Have you been a member of any other ballet companies, or been
a guest dancer at any other companies?
I have danced in gala programmes in St. Petersburg, Moscow and
London, but mainly I stay with my own company.
What would a typical day be like for you?
A typical day is: Sleep in for as long as I can. Then a class at the
ballet studio for an hour and a half. Rehearsals to follow, then my
big meal of the day – fish, salad, soup. I also nibble on nuts and
seeds for energy. I don’t eat meat, don’t have desserts and I don’t
drink.
of a pair of pointe shoes. I use several pairs during a performance.
Sometimes I prefer a pair that has been worn in; they can be softer
on the toes! Sometimes I use a brand-new pair as they can give me
a special feeling. Over the tour of six weeks, I’ll go through maybe
30 pairs.
You tour extensively with the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre. Do
you enjoy visiting and performing in different countries?
Oh yes, it’s wonderful to dance to new audiences. Every country
has a new way of reacting. Sometimes you hear no applause but
can feel the emotion across the footlights. Other times it’s wild
cheering and lots of curtain calls.
Is this your first visit to New Zealand?
No, I was here as a soloist about 15 years ago.
Do you get the chance to go sightseeing in other countries, and if
so what are some of your favourite places?
I love London – who wouldn’t? We were there last year and
had a wonderful season at the Coliseum Theatre. I danced
nine performances in 12 days, so there was not much time for
sightseeing. But I do love the history of the city, and Harrods! While
in New Zealand, I hope I can visit the countryside on my days off –
breathe the fresh air and enjoy the famous fresh food.
Is there anything you have to sacrifice for your ballet career?
See the previous answer!
What is your favourite ballet and role, and why?
Swan Lake has to be it. It’s a challenging dual role: Odette – the soft,
vulnerable Swan Queen, and then Odile – the cunning, flamboyant
seductress. Two very different roles. They are both physically and
emotionally demanding.
Do you get nervous before a performance and if so, what do you
do to calm your nerves?
Yes, but in a good, positive way. Maybe I’d say more excited than
nervous. I’m confident in my physical abilities; it’s the emotional side
that brings the challenge as I stand in the wings waiting for my first
entrance.
It’s understood ballet shoes get worn out very quickly, so how
many pairs do you go through in a month and how many pairs do
you take on tour?
It depends on the floor surface. A good stage lino prolongs the life