Olga filippova dancer

As a young girl, Olga Smirnova had absolutely no dream of becoming a ballerina. Nevertheless, Olga was accepted for the one-year preparatory classes at the Vaganova school, and after that one year she began her full-time training. It was only a few years later, when she had classes in partnering, character dance and acting, that her passion was gradually kindled, and as soon as she was allowed to take part in performances by the Mariinsky Ballet, she was converted for good.

Once I was on stage, I felt at home.

Olga smirnova dutch national ballet

On completing her training in , it was difficult to decide. In the end, she chose the Bolshoi Ballet, prompted by the enormous energy and power of conviction of the new artistic director Sergei Filin. So I decided to seize the opportunity, precisely because everyone always says that a dancing career is so short. I like nothing better than learning and discovering.

In , she was promoted to prima ballerina, and the plan was to continue combining her career with the Bolshoi Ballet with international appearances as a guest artist. But when Russia invaded Ukraine in February , Olga — who was strongly opposed to the invasion — decided to leave her homeland. And because of Hans van Manen. Olga believes that professional dance revolves around hard work.

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