Anastasia Volochkova
comments by Jack WalkerI first saw Anastasia in January, 1998, right after the daily class in the Maryinsky Theatre. She was stretching her legs on the rack in the hallway. I asked someone from the administration who she was. "Nobody, she's nobody," the answer came.
I first talked to her in Spring of that year by long distance telephone. She spoke in English intelligently and clearly about ballet, the beauty of it, the soul of it. And she told me she was leaving the Kirov to dance with the Bolshoi in Moscow.
She had been the last of Oleg Vinogradov's prodigies before the ballet master fell to disfavor. Under the Kirov's new leadership, Anastasia got fewer and fewer opportunities to dance.A split from the company was inevitable.
Since her premiere with the Bolshoi in June, 1998, I've talked with Anastasia in person. I saw her dance an excerpt at the Hermitage Theatre in St. Petersburg. I was wondering what she looked, and then I was stunned by her presence and beauty when she came on stage.
Later I met her and some mutual friends at a new club in St. Petersburg. I remember she didn't drink alcohol, she had perfect posture, a fantastic smile and an elegant walk. I've seen many ballet dancers walk like ducks when offstage But several Russians have told me they work to keep their feet straight and in line.
I saw Anastasia once more, at her home in St. Petersburg. She was packing to go back to Moscow. Her mother showed me the closet where all the costumes were hung.Two or three were spread on the floor on the thick, beautiful rugs, ready for a suitcase or garmet bag.
I watched some video excerpts and was impressed with just how good Anastasia is. And talking to her I was impressed with just how intelligent she is. To summarize, she has a clear head, works hard, and she is dedicated to making each moment of her life the most it can be.
It always seems bizarre to compare top-of-the-class Vaganova graduates with each other. Besides the eight years of six days-a-week of classes, they've all had secret private lessons. When they finish school they can all do it all. But a very few of them will transcend the possible into a spiritual realm and become legendary Russian ballerinas. Though she is still very young, I believe Anastasia Volochkova might have the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual gifts to become one.
[Inquiries about guest appearances for Ms. Volochkova,
please email ana@kirov.com]
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