Inside the Mariinsky Theater,St. Petersburg, Russia I first met a Kirov ballerina on the streets of Manhattan during the tumult of the Democratic National Convention in the summer of 1991. We were both near Times Square -- both of us lost -- both staring at maps and gawking at street signs. We caught each other's attention, shrugged to acknowledge our common frustration, then smiled like lost friends and escaped to a nearby delicatessen. What happened next is another story for another time. But since 1991, I've made 11 trips to Russia, and I lived in St. Petersburg 12 of the past 18 months. As a ballet lover, I was a dedicated audience at the Mariinsky Theatre -- home of The Kirov. As a journalist I interviewed top people with the company, roamed the inner recesses of the theater, and made the rounds of news and publicity sources.
Behind the scenes, I've maintained long friendships with Kirov dancers and staff. I've heard all the rumors -- including the stories, intrigues and escapades behind them -- and I know most of the truth. Plus, I have lots of photographs. In the coming weeks, I'll tell you the stories and show you the pictures.
Farouk Ruzimatov (principal dancer and assistant artistic director) - He shares how he prepares for a performance, talks about what it takes to be a principal dancer, and reveals what he wants next for his career. He discusses his " soul-connection" with dance.
Makharbek Vaziev (company manager and principle dancer) - He remembers life in ballet school in the Soviet Union, discusses challenges facing the Kirov during the next five years, and laughs about the scrawny little kid with chicken feet who became Farouk Ruzimatov.
A Teacher's Perspective - A former Kirov ballerina and Vaganova (St. Petersburg) teacher talks about the qualities that make a great dancer, the gamble in choosing young talent, the politics of making a star, and more.
Maya Dumchenko - Russian ballet critic Marina Ilichyova reveals a rebirth of the St. Petersburg classical style in a new Kirov star.
Tour of a Ballet Shoe Factory - Inside the factory where the shoes for Kirov dancers have been made by hand for more than a hundred years.
A Ballerina's Life - From the aches and pains and depressions, to the ovations and elations, with a methodical daily life of exercise and training in between -- you take a few steps in her shoes.
An Evening at the Ballet - What it's like to attend a ballet at the Mariinsky Theater. From buying tickets and getting there, to sitting in the theater and chatting with your neighbor -- this is the experience.
Copyright © 1996-7 Jack Walker. All rights reserved.
P.O. Box 2826, Hollywood, CA 90078, USA E-Mail: jack@kirov.com
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