Ivan vasiliev timetable. ballet couples

Ivan Vasiliev was born on September 9, 1989 in the village of Tavrichanka, Primorsky Krai. The boy grew up in the family of a military officer Vladimir Viktorovich. Soon, the father was transferred to the Ukrainian city of Dnepr, where the young man spent his early years. At the age of four, together with his mother and older brother Victor, he went to see a children's folk ensemble. And initially, my brother planned to go there, but Vanya showed interest in dancing so zealously that the teachers took him too.

Since then, wherever Vasiliev studied, everywhere he turned out to be 2-3 years younger than his classmates. At seven, the boy first saw a ballet performance and fell in love with this art form. From the folk ensemble he went to the Dnieper choreographic school, and later studied classical dance at the Belarusian State Choreographic College under the guidance of choreographer Alexander Kolyadenko. By the way, Vasiliev was admitted to college immediately for the third year, since the young man freely performed those elements that his peers had not even started yet.

During his studies, Ivan trained at the National Academic Bolshoi Theater of the Republic of Belarus and performed on stage in such productions as Don Quixote and Le Corsaire. After school, the young dancer went to Moscow, where he sought the right to get into the troupe of the most famous theater in the post-Soviet territory.

In 2006, a young and incredibly talented dancer Vasiliev took the stage of the Bolshoi Theater. It took him only four years to, bypassing the title of leading soloist, become the premier of the ballet troupe. In addition to the main roles in such legendary performances as Spartacus, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Petrushka, Giselle, Ivan, together with Nikolai Tsiskaridze, participated in the international project Kings of Dance.

At the end of 2011, the leaders of the Bolshoi Theater Ivan Vasilyev and Natalya Osipova moved to St. Petersburg, and not even to the Mariinsky, but to the Mikhailovsky Theater, which at that time was much lower in the rating. It turned out that the dancer needed a new serious challenge, tough motivation in order to grow further.

In addition to the St. Petersburg theater, Vasilyev regularly appeared on the stage of the American Ballet Theater, and also took part as a guest artist in well-known private performances. For example, in the project “Solo for Two” in contemporary style and at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Sochi in the film “The First Ball of Natasha Rostova”. The last performance was staged by the amazing choreographer Radu Poklitaru, and the prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theater Svetlana Zakharova danced with Ivan.

On March 1, 2014, the ballet dancer signed an appeal by Russian cultural figures in support of the policy of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine and Crimea.

Vasiliev is one of the highest paid ballet dancers in the world. However, this fact of the young man is of little interest. Ivan Vladimirovich sees in ballet, first of all, art and proved this by trying himself as a choreographer, staging an unusual performance "Ballet No. 1" in 2015. In it, the choreographer tried to show the possibilities of the human body both in solo parts and in duets.

As a guest artist, in 2019 Vasiliev performed the role of Jose in the production of Carmen Suite, and also performed the part of Ferkhad in The Legend of Love.

Ivan Vasiliev Awards

2004 - Laureate of the International Ballet Competition in Varna (III prize, junior group)

2005 - Laureate of the International Ballet Competition in Moscow (I prize, junior group)

2006 - Laureate of the Open Competition of Russian Ballet Dancers "Arabesque" in Perm (I Prize and Prize of the Korean Ballet Foundation)

2006 - Laureate of the International Ballet Competition in Varna (Special distinction)

2007 - Youth grant of the "Triumph" award

2008 - Prize of the magazine "Ballet" "Soul of Dance" in the nomination "Rising Star"

2008 - National English Dance Critics Circle Award (National Dance Awards Critics "Circle") in the nomination "In the Spotlight / Spotlight Award"

2009 - Prize of the International Association of Choreographers "Benois de la dance" for the performance of the parts of Conrad in "Corsair" and Philippe in "The Flames of Paris"

2010 - International Ballet Prize Dance Open in the nomination "Mr. Virtuosity"

2011 - National English Dance Critics' Circle Award (National Dance Awards Critics "Circle) in the nomination "Best Dancer"

2011 - Grand Prix of the International Ballet Prize Dance Open

2011 - Leonid Myasin Prize (Positano, Italy)

2014 - Honored Artist of the Russian Federation

Creativity of Ivan Vasiliev

Repertoire at the Mikhailovsky Theater

2011 - "Sleeping Beauty", choreographer Nacho Duato - Prince Desire
2012 - Laurencia, choreography by Vakhtang Chabukiani, revised version by Mikhail Messerer - Frondoso
2012 - La Bayadère, choreography by Marius Petipa, new version by Mikhail Messerer - Solor
2012 - Don Quixote, choreography by Alexander Gorsky, new version by Mikhail Messerer - Basil
2012 - "Swan Lake", choreography by M. Petipa, L. Ivanov and A. Gorsky, revised by Mikhail Messerer - Evil Genius
2012 - "Romeo and Juliet", choreographer Nacho Duato - Romeo
2013 - The Flames of Paris, choreography by Vasily Vainonen, new version by Mikhail Messerer - Philip
2014 - Vain Precaution, choreography by Frederic Ashton, production by Mikhail Messerer and Michael O'Hare - Colin
2014 - “Class Concert”, choreography by Asaf Messerer, production by Mikhail Messerer - Soloist - first performer
2014 - Halt of the Cavalry, choreography by Marius Petipa, revised version by Pyotr Gusev - Pyotr
2015 - Corsair, choreography by Marius Petipa, production by Mikhail Messerer - Conrad

Repertoire at the Bolshoi Theater

2006 - Don Quixote, choreography by Alexander Gorsky, revised version by Alexei Fadeyechev - Basil
2006 - "Vain Precaution", choreography by Frederic Ashton, production by Alexander Grant - Colin
2007 - "La Bayadère", choreography by Nikolai Zubkovsky - Golden God
2007 - "Misericordes", choreographer Christopher Wheeldon - Soloist
2007 - Corsair, choreography by Marius Petipa, production and new choreography by Alexei Ratmansky and Yuri Burlaka - Dance of the Slaves - first performer
2007 - "Spartacus", choreographer Yuri Grigorovich - Three shepherds
2007 - "Class Concert", choreography by Asaf Messerer - Soloist - first performer
2008 - Corsair, choreography by Marius Petipa, production and new choreography by Alexei Ratmansky and Yuri Burlaka - Konrad
2008 - "The Flames of Paris", choreographer Alexei Ratmansky using the choreography of Vasily Vainonen - Philip
2008 - "Spartacus", choreographer Yuri Grigorovich - Spartak
2008 - "Bright Stream", choreographer Alexei Ratmansky - Peter
2009 - La Bayadère, choreography by Marius Petipa, revised version by Yuri Grigorovich - Solor
2009 - "Esmeralda", choreography by Agrippina Vaganova - Acteon - first performer
2010 - The Nutcracker, choreographer Yuri Grigorovich - The Nutcracker Prince
2010 - "Young Man and Death", choreographer Roland Petit - Young Man - first performer
2010 - "Petrushka", choreography by Mikhail Fokin, edited by Sergei Vikharev - Petrushka
2011 - "Raymonda", choreography by Marius Petipa, revised version by Yuri Grigorovich - Abderakhman
2011 - "Lost Illusions", choreographer Alexei Ratmansky - Lucien - first performer
2011 - "Giselle", edited by Yuri Grigorovich - Count Albert
2013 - "Coppelia", choreography by Marius Petipa and Enrico Cecchetti, edited by Sergei Vikharev - Franz
2015 - Sylphide, choreography by August Bournonville, revised version by Johan Kobborg - James
2015 - "Ivan the Terrible", choreographer Yuri Grigorovich - Ivan the Terrible

Tour

Anniversary concert in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Perm State Choreographic School in Perm

XX International Ballet Festival in Havana, pas de deux from the ballet "Flames of Paris" and pas de deux from the ballet "Don Quixote" with Natalia Osipova

Gala concert "Stars of Today and Stars of Tomorrow" (pas de deux from the ballet "The Flames of Paris" with Natalia Osipova), which completed the IX International Competition for Students of Ballet Schools Grand Prix of American Youth (Youth America Grand Prix), established by former Bolshoi Ballet dancers Gennady and Larisa Saveliev
Basil in the performance of the Mikhailovsky Theater "Don Quixote" (Kitri - Irina Perren)
Gala concerts in Kazan that ended the International Festival of Classical Ballet named after Rudolf Nureyev (pas de deux from the ballet "The Flames of Paris", partner - Natalia Osipova)
Gala concert on the stage of the Lyon Amphitheater (variations and coda from the ballet "Don Quixote", pas de deux from the ballet "The Flames of Paris", partner - Natalia Osipova)
As part of the First Siberian Ballet Festival - Basil in the performance of the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater "Don Quixote" (with Natalia Osipova) and Albert in the ballet "Giselle" (Giselle - Natalia Osipova)

The part of Solor in the ballet La Bayadère (staged by Igor Zelensky) at the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater (Nikia - Natalia Osipova)
Part of Albert in the ballet Giselle (edited by Nikita Dolgushin) with the troupe of the Mikhailovsky Theater in St. Petersburg (Giselle - Natalia Osipova)
The part of Basil at the Second Siberian Ballet Festival in the performance of the Novosibirsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater "Don Quixote" (Kitri - soloist of the NSATOB Anna Zharova)
Participant of the second series of the project of the agency Ardani Artists "Kings of Dance" (performed the miniature "Vestris" (choreography by Leonid Yakobson) and the part in the ballet "For 4" (choreography by Christopher Wheeldon)

Part of Frederi in Les Arlesienne (choreography by Roland Petit) in Rome with the ballet company of the Rome Opera

Guest soloist of the American Ballet Theater in performances on the stage of the New York Metropolitan Opera: Peter in the ballet "The Bright Stream" (Zina - Xiomara Reyes) and Franz in the ballet "Coppelia" in the version of F. Franklin (Swanilda - Xiomara Reyes)
Guest artist of the English National Ballet in performances on the stage of the London Coliseum (London Coliseum): Romeo in Frederic Ashton's ballet "Romeo and Juliet" (Juliet - Natalia Osipova) and Youth in Roland Petit Petit's ballet "Youth and Death" (partner - Zhi Jang)
Gala concerts in Buenos Aires on the stage of the Coliseo Theater with Natalia Osipova: pas de deux from the ballet Don Quixote and Serenade (choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti)

Within the framework of the Fifth Siberian Ballet Festival with the troupe of the Novosibirsk Theater: Spartacus (Phrygia - soloist of the National State Theater Theater Theater Anna Zharova) and Solor in the ballet "La Bayadère" (Nikiya - soloist of the National Theater Theater Theater Anna Odintsova).

Guest soloist (Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg): The Prodigal Son in The Prodigal Son (choreography by George Balanchine); A young man in the ballet "Youth and Death" (choreography by Roland Petit) (partner - soloist of the Mariinsky Theater Victoria Tereshkina); Basile in the ballet Don Quixote (Choreography by Alexander Gorsky (1902) based on the play by Marius Petipa) (Kitri-soloist of the Mariinsky Theater Anastasia Matvienko)

The part of Solor in the ballet La Bayadère (staged by Natalia Makarova) in Moscow with the ballet troupe of the Moscow Musical Theatre. K. S. Stanislavsky and Vl. I. Nemirovich-Danchenko (Nikiya - MAMT soloist Anna Ol, Gamzatti - MAMT soloist Oksana Kardash).

Guest soloist (La Scala, Milan): The Phantom of the Rose in the ballet The Vision of the Rose (choreography by Mikhail Fokine); Rubies in Jewels (choreography by George Balanchine)

Today, the soloist of the Bolshoi and Mikhailovsky theatres, Ivan Vladimirovich Vasiliev, despite his youth, is known all over the world. Every day, a new achievement, and all thanks to diligence and dedication. However, 2015 was a truly significant year for him. He married his stage partner, the incredibly beautiful ballerina Maria Vinogradova, and also made his debut as a choreographer, staging his first performance "Ballet No. 1" in the Barvikha Luxury Village hall. In this article, we will tell you about the early period of life, about becoming a ballet dancer and about what kind of person the talented dancer and choreographer Ivan Vasiliev is outside the stage.

Biography

The future star of the Bolshoi and St. Petersburg Mikhailovsky theaters was born in the village of Tavrichanka (Primorsky Territory), in a family that had nothing to do with art. His father, Vladimir Viktorovich Vasiliev, by the way, the full namesake of the famous Bolshoi Theater premier of the 60-70s, was a military officer, and his mother did not work anywhere, remaining his faithful companion, who is everywhere, from one republic to another, from military unit to unit , followed him, ran the household and was engaged in raising their sons. When Vanya was 4 years old, the family moved to Ukraine, Dnepropetrovsk. Soon after that, my mother decided to send her eldest son to a children's folk ensemble. Vanya was still very small, but he liked it so much in the dance hall, and he began to do such things there that the head of the ensemble became interested in the musical and plastic crumbs, and decided to make an exception for him, taking him into the group with his older brother.

Introduction to ballet

It so happened in the life of a dancer that wherever Ivan Vasiliev studied, he everywhere turned out to be a couple of years younger than his classmates. At the age of 7, the boy and his mother first got to the ballet. Throughout the performance, he did not utter a word, and only his enthusiastically shining eyes spoke better than any words about what was happening in his soul. He left the theater completely in love with this kind of high art. At home, he began to ask his parents to send him to a ballet school. It was not easy for the military to get used to the idea that his son wants to connect his life with such a “non-male” occupation. However, the mother managed to convince the father that their son was probably born just for this, and the father gave up. Soon, Ivan Vasiliev was on the list of those who entered the first class of the Dnepropetrovsk choreographic school. Ballet from that moment became an integral part of his life. The boy did not particularly stand out for his physical data, on the contrary, it seemed to some choreographers that with such a type of figure, not at all slender and short legs (the main “tool” of the dancer), he would not be able to reach great heights in this type of dance art, but time showed that they were wrong. In the meantime, the boy surprised everyone with his hard work, incredible energy and determination.

Education

Further, fate brought the family of the future soloist of the best theaters of the country to the Republic of Belarus, and here Ivan Vladimirovich Vasiliev enters the Belarusian State Choreographic College, where he begins to study classical ballet under the guidance of Honored Worker of the Republic of Belarus choreographer A. Kolyadenko. By the way, despite his young age (12 years old), Vanya was accepted immediately to the 3rd year, because at the entrance exam he began to perform such complex elements that they began to teach in college only by the end of the second year. Soon he was sent to the competition, where he performed the variations that were included in the program of older dancers and this, of course, surprised the jury members.

External Data

The dancer says that some teachers did not want to see the obvious and did not believe that something good would come out of him, based on his physical parameters. They could not even imagine that Ivan Vasilyev would bring so many new things. Ballet, for which growth is of great importance, is a rather conservative art. Ivan's height, of course, was far from high, and the choreographers doubted whether he could look beautiful on stage, and his legs were a bit short, and, as some teachers said, they betrayed his plebeian roots. But as you can see, they were wrong. Ivan Vasiliev proved that appearance is not the most important thing in order to achieve heights in the career of a dancer, although the young man worked on his body to exhaustion, as a result of training, he, the word sculptor, sculpted something perfect from him. It is impossible not to admire his torso, he is worthy of admiration, similar to an isosceles triangle turned by the top to the waist.

To Moscow

Before graduating from college, Ivan Vasilyev, whose ballet played the most important role at that time, underwent an internship at the Belarusian Bolshoi Theater and performed solo parts in productions of Don Quixote and Le Corsaire. However, all his thoughts were connected with Moscow - it was here that he saw himself in the future. And so, having received a diploma, he took a train ticket and, at his own peril and risk, went to the capital of the country, which he considered his homeland. He, of course, was dissuaded, but in Moscow, whatever you say, true talent is valued.

Premier of the main theater of the country

In 2006, the talented dancer was admitted to the Bolshoi Theater, where he made his debut in the play "Don Quixote" in the role of Basil. After 4 years, he already became the premiere of the ballet troupe, and bypassing the title of leading soloist, which was extremely rare. Here he performed the main parts in legendary performances: "Giselle", "Spartacus", "The Nutcracker", "Don Quixote", "Petrushka". Its choreographer was Yuri Vladimirov. Before becoming prime minister, Ivan Vasilyev successfully took part in a magnificent project of international level" Kings of Dance "(2009). Here he danced on the same stage with such famous dancers as David Holberg, Jose Manuel Carreno, Joaquin De Luz, and compatriots - Nikolai Tsiskaridze, Denis Matvienko and others.

Ivan Vasiliev: Mikhailovsky Theater

It's no secret that being the premiere of the Bolshoi Theater is the cherished dream of all ballet dancers, the pinnacle of their career. And imagine how surprised all the initiates were when they learned that Ivan Vasiliev and Natalya Osipova (his partner in many performances and his girlfriend) refused to rehearse Don Quixote and decided to go to St. Petersburg, and not to the Mariinsky, and the Mikhailovsky Theatre. Of course, it sounded like a bolt from the blue. The directorate of the Bolshoi was at a loss. Such strange information contains a professional biography. Ivan Vasiliev later explained his decision by the fact that he needed a new incentive, a new tough motivation. However, the Bolshoi did not want to completely part with his pet, and today he is the “guest star” for the theater. By the way, in the same capacity he performs at La Scala, at the Rome Opera House, the Bavarian Ballet, at the Mariinsky and Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatres, and also regularly appears on the stage of the American Ballet Theatre. He managed to raise the Mikhailovsky Theater to an incredible level. Here he is the performer of the leading roles in the ballet productions of Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Giselle, The Flames of Paris, Corsair, Swan Lake, Laurencia, Cavalry Halt, "Sylphide", "Vain Precaution" and others. Ivan Vasiliev, of course, managed to reach the very top in his career as a dancer. He is among the highest paid ballet dancers in the world. Isn't that all he aspired to?

Choreographer

No. I. Vasiliev says that already at the age of 12, analyzing the work of his choreographers, and in his heart disagreeing with them, he dreamed that the time would come and he would be able to make his own production. In 2015, at the end of spring, he managed to fulfill his dream. His debut performance was Ballet No. 1, where he used incredible tricks and elements, as if wanting to show where the possibilities of the human body can go, both in solo and duet parts. The premiere took place on the stage of the Barvikha Luxury Village and was an incredible success. The main thing is that the choreographer himself was pleased with himself, and he said that this was only the beginning, new incredible productions were ahead of everyone.

Ivan Vasiliev: personal life

After Vasiliev arrived in Moscow and got a job at the Bolshoi Theater, he began a relationship with a colleague, Natalya Osipova. In tandem with her, for 4 years they went to the title of prime minister and prima of the country's main theater. After that, all the acquaintances were waiting for the couple to legitimize their relationship and play a grand wedding, but suddenly it broke up, and soon Ivan began to be noticed in the company of another ballerina of the Bolshoi Theater, Maria Vinogradova. They danced in a duet in the ballet Spartacus. After that, the young people got up to meet after rehearsals, and on the first date I. Vasilyev invited his girlfriend to the Bolshoi Theater, but not to the ballet, but to the opera. Probably, it was funny for them to find themselves, although in a familiar environment, but not on their own stage, but in front of it, in the auditorium.

Wedding

Vanya made his marriage proposal to Mary in a very romantic setting. He strewed the whole room with rose petals and decorated it with balloons. He got down on one knee, like a medieval knight, and handed his beloved a box with an incredibly expensive ring. It turned out that it was the design work of the famous jewelry brand Graff, which cost the artist $50,000. Well, what girl could resist such a confession? Maria, of course, gave her consent, and they began to prepare for the wedding, which took place in the summer of 2015. The wedding ceremony was very beautiful, and the young people looked more than happy. Exactly one year after that, the first-born daughter Anna was born to Maria and Ivan.

On the stage National Opera of Ukraine popular this week drowned in applause dance project "Kings of Dance". Traditionally, the best dancers participate in this program. But, perhaps, special attention was riveted to Ivan Vasiliev- A 25-year-old artist who, in a short period of time, conquered the main musical scenes of the world.

A year ago, almost with a scandal of his own free will (!) he parted with the Bolshoi Theater of Russia. And today Vasiliev is the premiere of the Mikhailovsky Theater (St. Petersburg), the American Ballet Theater (New York). He is invited to their performances at the Grand Opera, many other famous theaters. The best choreographers dream of seeing him in their productions, and ballet critics are in awe of his incredible somersaults.

Shortly before entering the Kyiv stage in "Kings of Dance" Ivan Vasilyev told ZN.UA about his fees, about his beloved city of London, as well as a special ballet diet.

The walls of our National Opera do not often "contemplate" such pictures. There are still 40 minutes before the end of the show. And the whole stalls in a single impulse rises from their seats, begins to chant, shout "Bravo!", unable to hide the delight from the performance of Ivan Vasiliev. The piercing culmination of the "Kings of the Dance" that evening was his solo mini-ballet "Labyrinth of Solitude" (choreographer Patrick de Bana, music by Tomaso Antonio). Vasiliev hovers over the stage. It seems that for this artist there is no gravity. It is not for nothing that ballet critics speak of his amazing virtuosity and stage charm: “You can feel fatalism in his dance, the predestination of fate ... Fine-tuning of feelings is rare even among dancers of a higher caliber, and this distinguishes Vasilyev as an artist who is able to live emotional dilemmas on stage, and not simply shock the viewer with their physical dynamism.”

Through the "labyrinths of loneliness" he leads each viewer, Vasiliev draws the entire hall into his energy funnel. And it is not for nothing that there is such a demand for this artist today. His schedule is scheduled for several years.

And it all started in Ukraine, in Dnepropetrovsk. It was in this city that little Vanya had an unbridled desire to dance. He was born in Primorsky Krai (RF), then his parents moved to Ukraine. And from the age of four he began to study folk dances. Subsequently, the boy was fascinated by classical ballet. Even while studying at the Minsk Choreographic School, he began to win almost all the competitions where he was sent - Perm, Moscow, Varna. The young talent conquered strict ballet connoisseurs in Minsk during an internship at the National Academic Bolshoi Theater of the Republic of Belarus. Then he brilliantly performed the part of Basil in the ballet "Don Quixote" by L. Minkus. They heard about the ballet prodigy in Moscow. Personally, Alexei Ratmansky invited Vasiliev to the Bolshoi Theater of Russia. On the first musical stage of the Russian Federation, Ivan not only received the best repertoire (the ballets Don Quixote, La Bayadere, Corsair, Spartacus, The Flame of Paris, The Bright Stream), but also the best life partner ... The magnificent ballerina Natalya Osipov. We can say that the Bolshoi Theater "married" this star couple. Since then, they have been trying to be together.

“We used to see Natalia at various competitions, but we didn’t really know each other, because she was already in the adult category, and I also danced in the children’s category,” says Ivan Vasiliev. - Once, when Natasha and I went on stage in Don Quixote in London, literally the whole audience went wild, and critics said that we should not give five stars (in the English press this is the highest rating), but seven whole .

- Ivan, do you often have to dance on the same stage with your wife today? And how often do you travel together?

“You have to travel really often. And mostly for work. Sometimes together. Sometimes, apart. Although we usually dance together. When Natalia is near, it is certainly easier, more pleasant for me, and ... somehow whole.

- And how often does marital jealousy arise when you have to let Osipova go to another country, to new stage partners?

“Of course, I am quite zealous about these things. But I still let go. Work is work.

- Last December, you and Natalya Osipova left the Bolshoi Theater - and this became one of the main musical sensations ... Do you still have any obligations to the Bolshoi today?

- There are no obligations. But I hope that in the near future we will nevertheless build our relations and our work with the Bolshoi Theatre. Since the point in this story is not set. And no one was going to put it. We will continue to work.

- And when was the last time you went on that stage?

- Yes, it came out in December last year. Danced at the Bolshoi ballet by Roland Petit "The Youth and Death". And with the troupe of this theater I danced in February on tour.

— Today you are one of the most demanded ballet dancers… Are there any peculiarities of your contracts with the world's largest theaters?

— You understand, any contract implies certain obligations. Be it the Mikhailovsky Theatre, the Bolshoi Theatre, or the American Ballet Theatre. You just need to fulfill certain conditions - you need to come and dance. Today I have two permanent places of work - in St. Petersburg and in New York. There are several other theaters where I just come to dance. For example, the Grand Opera in Paris, where they are invited to dance "Vain Precaution".

- If you study your track record, it turns out that there are practically no famous ballets left in which you would not be involved ... Or is it?

- Not certainly in that way. There are still many "untouched" works in which I would like to test myself. And over time, I hope I will. The dream of any artist is to have ballets specially staged for him. And I also have a dream - "Mayerling" by Macmillan ...

- Ivan, today you maintain creative relations with Alexei Ratmansky, who, by the way, once started in Kyiv, and he has a lot to do with our city ...

- We have a wonderful relationship. We have known each other for a long time and also cooperate for a long time. He never ceases to please me. This is a talented choreographer, one of the best today. And I would love to work with him again and again. As you know, this is Ratmansky's idea - to connect me on stage with Natalya Osipova. He felt that we fit each other in temperament. And since then we have been together ... Even before the Bolshoi, Ratmansky was told about me by some people who saw me at various competitions. Alexey then worked as the chief choreographer of the Bolshoi and there they had a principle: to take to the Bolshoi only from the Moscow Choreographic ... In the best case, they first took the corps de ballet from other schools, as if for a trial period. But it was Alexei who took me from Minsk - straight to the soloists of the Bolshoi.

— And what do you think about Radu Poklitaru, another choreographer who still works in Kyiv today?

“I know him very well. Even worked with him. He gave me the number "Swan". Radu does very interesting things. He has wonderful dramatic finds in ballets. And I hope to work with him.

- Ivan, how did Yuri Grigorovich react to your departure from the Bolshoi Theater? After all, it was in his "Spartacus" that you established yourself as the first dancer of the Bolshoi Theater?

— Yuri Nikolayevich is not the artistic director of the Bolshoi Theatre. He is the choreographer of his works. Therefore, Natasha and I did not discuss our departure from the Bolshoi Theater with him. You know, I don't want to talk about this topic at all ... Something is left in the past. But I hope the future will be with the Bolshoi too.

— You travel a lot, you don’t stay anywhere for a long time… What city could you call the most comfortable — for rest, for pastime?

- I love London. I can stay in it forever. This is my city". I just walk the streets and I feel good already. In general, I associate this city with wonderful memories: my first tour with the Bolshoi, the ballet Don Quixote ... I also remember the second tour in London (there were already more performances then), but then Spartak was opened. When, on the same tour, again we performed with Natasha in Don Quixote, the reaction of the public was somehow incredible: we were taken out of the theater by some secret corridors, because the fans simply went on a rampage.

- Ballet critics talk about your extraordinary abilities on stage. Is there a "limit" of technique for a ballet dancer?

- There is no limit. When a person thinks about the "limit", then it's time for him to finish. I don't even hear when people praise me. I don't want to hear it at all.

- But if you look on the Internet, then you are full of admiration and praise.

- Come on ... The main thing is to understand your shortcomings. And develop.

— Do you often think about Dnepropetrovsk?

- Certainly. I started dancing there, doing ballet seriously. True, I have not been in this city for a long time. But from time to time I meet different people who are connected with Dnepropetrovsk, and these meetings are very pleasant for me.

- And if - all of a sudden - such an offer arises ... Go to the staff of the Minsk Opera and Ballet Theater for an unthinkable fee! At the personal invitation of Lukashenka. Are you willing to return?

“I don’t dance for big fees. They don't attract me. If I want, I will dance. If I don’t want to, no money will help here, no one will persuade me.

Are there any dancers in ballet who are “perfection itself” for you?

- These are many great artists. For myself, I will note only Rudik. That is Rudolf Nureyev. For me, this is a special person. You can argue endlessly whether he is the best or not the best ... But for me he is the most beloved and most special.

- During the period of work at the Bolshoi Theater, when you were not yet twenty, who made more during this period - friends or enemies?

“You know, there are few friends in this world. But if they are, then for life. Probably, there are such friends in the Bolshoi.

- Perhaps one of our readers will be interested: are there any taboos in the diet of the best ballet dancers ...

Are you talking about diet? Yes, there is no diet! You yourself saw - I came to the rehearsal straight from McDonald's ...

Ivan Vladimirovich Vasiliev is a native of Primorsky Krai, he was born in 1989 in a military family. The boy showed interest in the art of dance very early: when he was only four years old, his older brother began to attend a folk dance ensemble, and Ivan followed him. Despite his age, the teachers agreed to take him into the ensemble.

To be a couple of years younger than his fellow students - this was the fate of I. Vasiliev for many years, wherever he studied - in the children's ensemble, at the Dnepropetrovsk choreographic school. For this reason - and even because of the growth - the teachers doubted for a long time that the boy could achieve something. But at the age of twelve, Ivan successfully performed at the competition, impressing the jury, and in 2002 he entered the Belarusian State Choreographic College, and he was accepted not for the first year, but for the third: much of what he already knew, his peers still did not start learning. And here, too, a too young student constantly hears from mentors: “You will not succeed,” but such words only kindle in him the desire to prove that he can comprehend a lot.

The achievements of I. Vasiliev are really impressive. He wins prizes at international competitions: in 2004 - in Varna, in 2005 - in Perm, in 2006 - again in Varna, as well as in Moscow. Even in his student years, he makes his debut, as a trainee, in the part of Basil at the Bolshoi Theater of the Republic of Belarus, and also plays the role of Ali in "".

The first appearance of I.Vasiliev on the historical stage of the Bolshoi Theater took place after winning the competition - he participated in a gala concert. The impression made by the beauty and scale of the hall became one of the brightest moments in the dancer's life. In 2006, I.Vasilyev - at the invitation of A.Ratmansky - became an artist of this theater, where he rehearses under the direction of Y.Vladimirov. From the very beginning, he performs solo parts: Basil, Colin, Golden God, Konrad, Philip in "", Peter in "", ... Just four years later - without even having been in the status of a leading soloist - I. Vasiliev became prime minister.

More and more new parts appear in the repertoire of I. Vasiliev: Solor, the Nutcracker Prince, the title part in "", Abderakhman in "", Albert in "". The dancer also participates in premieres - he was the first performer of the solo part in the "Class Concert", the roles of the Youth in "The Youth and Death" and Lucien in "Lost Illusions" by A. Ratmansky. In 2009, I.Vasiliev, along with D.Holberg, J.M.Carreno and D.Matvienko, participates in the project "Kings of Dance". The success of the dancer was truly triumphant: the audience got up from their seats in unison, chanting "Bravo!", without even waiting for the end of his performance. The true highlight of the program was the one-act ballet "Labyrinth of Solitude" by Patrick de Baan performed by I.Vasiliev solo.

The combination of virtuosity with stage charm provides I. Vasilyev with both the love of the audience and the approval of critics, who note both the “fine tuning of feelings” and the originality of interpretations, while being completely faithful to the spirit of the work. So, Spartacus, in his view, is a reckless young man who attracts comrades to the uprising as a dangerous undertaking. In this party, the artist demonstrates his truly grandiose jump.

In the Bolshoi Theater, I. Vasiliev finds a partner -. While touring in London, critics said that this couple deserved not five stars (the highest rating in the British press), but seven.

As a guest star, he performs at the Bolshoi Theater, and since 2012 he has been a guest premiere of the American Ballet Theatre.

In 2014, I. Vasiliev performed in Sochi at the opening of the Olympic Games in a choreographic picture staged by R. Poklitaru. In the same year, the dancer participated in the project "Solo for Two", together with performing in the works of A. Pete, and O. Naarin. In 2015, within the framework of the same project, the artist made his ballet master's debut - his production of Ballet No. 1 was presented in the Barvikha Luxury Village hall. According to the artist, the decision to try his hand as a choreographer was prompted by his unwillingness to “dance fifteen editions of one ballet” all his life, he wanted to “give freedom to thoughts”.

The choreographer's activity of I.Vasiliev continued in 2016 at the Mikhailovsky Theatre. Here the choreographer staged three one-act ballets: "Bolero" to music, "Morphine" based on Bulgakov's "Notes of a Young Doctor" and "Blind Connection".

As a choreographer, I.Vasiliev considers helping artists to reveal their talent and potential as one of his main goals. The dancer claims that doing this is no less pleasant than performing on stage himself.

Music Seasons

He was told that he had too short and thick legs

This dancer was seen even by those who have never been to the musical theater: he recently starred in a video for the singer Valeria. And before that, Ivan performed at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Sochi: a dancer in a hussar mentik performed several of his signature jumps.

It is uniquely high flights on the verge of a stunt that have become the hallmark of this artist. Incredible male charisma makes us call him a genius, Mr. Testosterone, a brutal macho. Halls on Vasiliev are sold out months in advance. One producer admitted that Ivan has such high fees that for a couple of tours he earns an apartment in St. Petersburg.

The most interesting thing is that Vasiliev achieved world fame without having a ballet figure at all. Back in the Dnepropetrovsk Choreographic School (he, a native of Primorsky Krai, came to Ukraine because of his military father), and then at the Minsk School, “well-wishers” warned the guy that he was small in stature, short and thick legs and that such a “clumsy » A career in ballet will not work out. Although "little" Ivan always studied with guys two or three years older than himself and at the same time overtook them in technology.

Yes, compared to other ballet stars, Ivan is squat and stocky. Some strict guardians of ballet even believe that the roles of Princes in white tights are contraindicated for him, where the lines of the figure should be refined. However, Ivan's hurricane energy and charm, and especially his phenomenal jump-flights, make you forget about the artist's physique.

Vasiliev does not hold confidence in his abilities. Quickly taking a leading position at the Bolshoi Theater, he left six years later - to the Mikhailovsky Theater. But in the Bolshoi he is still a welcome guest - he acts as a guest star. In addition, the 27-year-old Vasilyev does not hide his ambitions as a choreographer: he has staged several numbers and a whole performance.

As for the personal life of a star, Ivan's heart always belongs to talented ballerinas. After a high-profile romance and parting with Natalya Osipova, he married another star - Maria Vinogradova, and she gave birth to his daughter a year ago ...