#sofia valiullina

[patricedumonde]

Do you think Sofya Valiullina can progress further with Bolshoi? Especially with new hires/graduates coming into the company soon. Not sure what the consensus is in Russia but from what I see majority of Russian comments on Instagram and YouTube of her performances are rather negative. I know it is impossible but I really think she is so perfect for so many ballet companies outside of Russia. I can see her at Royal ballet. Also, any news of Kuprina ?

Tough question re: Sofya. It depends on how many graduates are going to Bolshoi and how many of them have soloist potential. Kamila Sultangareeva will definitely be one of them. I still have high hopes for her bc she is being given soloist roles, but you’re right in assuming that it might die down this coming year. It really depends on who’s coming!

Tbh I want to see more Vaganova graduates in America too. I really thought it would’ve been awesome to have Jaden Grimm in ABT or SF Ballet. Sofya in Royal Ballet would be such a dream, her repertoire would increase drastically!

More VBA graduates should consider Vienna State Ballet too, it’s now under Alessandra Ferri’s leadership!! There are also so many companies outside of Russia that would serve them all well. Berlin, Munich, Dutch National, Paris!

As for Yaroslavna, I saw her dressed up like she was going to class back in January/February. This was on her instagram story but that was it. No hints at a return to stage so I’m definitely worried about that.

#russian ballet #patrice answers #bolshoi ballet #sofia valiullina #yaroslavna kuprina

[balletomaneblog]

I honestly do not understand the double standard they have with Valiullina and Koshkareva.

In terms of performance quality, charisma, and stage presence, valiullina is better than koshkareva imo. However, people ignores that just because of her body shape and weight and most are just giving her criticism for her performance, and that she shouldn’t be given performance where she can’t cope when clearly she proved that she can.

Whereas for koshkareva, her debuts in paquita and gamzatti are not the best. Especially in gamzatti, she even fell on her pirouette in the variation. But all I could see are comments praising her and defending her saying how such debuts are necessary for her to gain experience. Why such different treatments ?? I’m so mad seriously…

Yeah I agree, they are treated by balletomanes very differently. It's actually pretty similar to some treatment that Sevenard and Bulanova got at the start of their careers. If you're not incredibly incredibly skinny as a dancer (especially in Russia), you're gonna get some criticism. And you're right that it's blatantly unfair. Also, it's important not to forget that Valiullina is an eighteen or nineteen year old girl. It's sooo inappropriate and likely emotionally damaging for strangers to be posting negative comments about her weight online.

I personally view Valiullina and Koshkareva as equally talented, though they have very different styles. Luckily, it does feel like Vaziev really likes Valiullina and has given her lots of opportunities thus far. Hopefully, this continues.

P.S. Koshkareva recently had her second performance as Gamzatti and it was so much of an improvement. I think she must have been really nervous and/or over-scheduled in the fall when she debuted it.

#ballet #bolshoi #sofia valiullina #maria koshkareva

[ballet-symphonie]

Vaganova Ballet Academy Asks

So there is official information of Koshkareva signing a solo contract with Bolshoi and Nikolay Tsiskaridze's close friend (devilonpointshoes on Telegram) and ballet enthusiasts on ballet forums stating that Koshkareva, Valiullina, and Kuprina going to Bolshoi. How do you feel about all the star students going to Bolshoi instead of Mariinsky like many expected? It isn't unexpected that Valiullina is going to Bolshoi given that she suits that company but with Koshkareva and Kuprina being Mariinsky's trainees for a year, and their dance style suiting Mariinsky more, I really do not understand why they chose Bolshoi (perhaps they were given soloist role straight away)? Anyways I'm also confused if Koshkareva is going to Bolshoi like Kuprina, why is her name not taken down from the trainee name list on the Mariinsky website... Honestly idk how to feel about this and ngl Im pretty disappointed that Koshkareva and Kuprina are not going to Mariinsky :(

The Bolshoi is the fast track. These girls have been promoted as stars and BT has likely made them big promises to keep treating them that way. With how the Bolshoi gives out roles at the speed of light to young prominent grads, plus the benefits that generally come with dancing in Moscow (read: money), the offers are likely very tempting. The corps life is tough, no one wants to do it if they don't have to lmao.

I thought with this reinvented MT and more publicized MT trainee situation that MT management would have managed to keep at least one of Koshkareva and Kuprina but I guess not. I am actually more surprised Valiullina is tagging along as I thought her body type might hold her back. While I agree with many that her dancing fits the broad movement and expressive style of the Bolshoi, that’s unfortunately not exactly what goes on stage all the time nowadays at BT, maybe its about 50/50 now depending which principals are cast.

Hi Ale! Any news on Daria Kulikova? How is she doing at the Academy? I think the 2023 class is a powerful one, and my opinion isn't based on who is better. But there's something about Kulikova??? I don't know... but I like her dancing and I'm rooting for her, there's just something special, artistic I see in her.

The 2023 class has just been everywhere and she hasn’t been one of the most hyped ones for obvious reasons. I don’t think I’ve seen where she’s going but I also haven’t been crawling through the TG channels looking for information about her you know? 

With the ‘big 3’ of this class heading to BT, there’s likely some MT spots available, which is theoretically what she would want after changing schools so late in the games.  

Do you think there will ever be a Kovaleva graduate to top Vishneva off? I honestly don't and it's not because there weren't other talented girls to graduate, but it's just that none of the ones who came after, could even compare to Vishneva, let alone surpass her. Koshkareva for example, is really talented, but it's already being called the 'next Vishneva', so... I will say though, after Vishneva, only Smirnova and Khoreva came a little close and probably Koshkareva will too.

I don’t think she will ever top Vishneva, she’s a once in a 100 years type of a dancer. I also don’t know how much longer she will continue to work. Her talent as a pedagogue is immense, she’s proven that she can train exceptional dancers with different body types, backgrounds and ambitions. Her training and her graduates, quite literally is defining the past, present and future of Russian ballet.  

how do the “classes” at vaganova work?? like if it’s class of kovaleva, does that mean that she’s taught them all 8 years at vaganova orrr 

No, if a ballerina is listed as ‘class of Kovaleva’ that means that she taught their graduate year. Generally, the teachers will change every 1-3 years as some teachers are especially skilled at working with different age groups. 

#ballet #ballerina #vaganova #vaganova ballet academy #russian ballet #ludmilla kovaleva #daria Kulikova #Maria koshkareva #Yaroslavna Kuprina #Sofia Valiullina

[tikitania]

Wow koshkareva is freaking going on tour with the troupe to china in October or something and she’s performing Pas de deux from the ballet The Flames of Paris and also the Grand Pas Classique… Happy for her but also sad that the other grads had not been selected to go

Koshkareva is already a star in Russia just based on her Vaganova performances, gold medal at the MIBC, and general hype, so I can see why they are bringing her on tour to showcase her talent. Grand Pas Classique is no joke, so the are clearly have a lot of confidence in her. Part of me pines for when these baby ballerinas/phenoms had to cut their teeth in the corp for a year or so before getting leading parts, but it seems those days are over. Kuprina & Koshkareva will debut Paquita in October. Valiulina will perform a variation in the Grand Pas. Wishing them lots of health and time to prepare!

#ballet #prima ballerina #baby ballerinas #baby primas #bolshoi ballet #swan lake #paquita #maria koshkareva #yaroslavna kuprina #russian ballet #Sofia Valiullina

[melmothblog]

There was a request through Ask to translate or summarise what was happening in the first instalment of a new ballet doco, which covers, among other things, life at VBA. 

I will translate this baby in parts. This is Part I (the first 14 minutes.)

The doco follows three people:

Sofia Valiullina as she starts her first year at Vaganova Academy

Renata Shakirova as she graduates from VBA and joins the Mariinsky.

Nikolai Tsiskaridze as he kicks ass and takes names.

My favourite part of the doco: Tsiskaridze walks through the halls of VBA on his way to class and has the following interaction with one of the students:

Tsiskaridze: By the way, where’s the sausage? The girl: *nervously* I... I... Tsiskaridze: *shakes fist in mock anger*

VBA sounds like a lot fun...

Ok, moving on.

The doco opens with the rehearsals of the 2015 graduation performance at the Kremlin Theatre in Moscow. Renata is going through her variation, as Tsiskaridze paradises her and gives her a few minor corrections.

Nikolai: Renata dear, you did everything right, but after the chaine you right foot must point towards the wings.

Understandably, Renata was nervous before the show. VBA hadn’t brought its students to Moscow in over thirty years. Additionally, Tsiskaridze entrusted her with a major solo part - Laurencia.

Nikolai: it (the 2015 graduation performance) wasn’t just a showcase for the students, but an exam for the rector, who had suffered a great number of insults and unjust accusations up until that point. I am not ashamed to say this: there are people out there who had spent thousands of dollars on a smear campaign against me. Of course there was a great deal of curiosity surrounding the show.

In the lead-up to the Moscow show, Nikolai got so stressed that he fell ill during the rehearsals. He asks for some tea (following his request with: “I’m literally dying”) and one of his students, German Borsai, very sweetly brings him some medicine instead.

Nikolai: now that I’ve become a coach I can honestly say that dancing is easier than watching your students from the auditorium. Coaching is far more stressful and requires a lot more effort. Dancing is easier.

After the break, the rehearsals continue. Nikolai gives notes to Borsai and has a chat with Evgeni Kuznetsov. Genia forgot to shave and doesn’t have enough time to run back to the hotel. Nikolai enlists the help of one of the teachers (Irina Sitnikova) to procure a shaving kit for his forgetful student.

Renata: It was the most magical moment of my life. I was so happy for my class and for the whole Academy. I could see that Nikolai Maximovich was very happy.

Nikolai: I take the fact that none of the major Moscow publications, which spent so much time and effort assassinating my character, published a single article about this performance as a sign of tremendous success. It was very obvious that all the negative press was paid for. And they haven’t been given permission to “praise Tsiskaridze” yet*. After the show, the Internet blew up; there were so many positive reviews and endless discussions online. The fact that the so-called critics - the professionals whose job it is to write reviews and who get paid for it - remained silent is laughable. That’s my biggest victory.

Renata: I completely broke down after the curtain call. I couldn’t hold it in. I was both happy and sad – sad to be leaving the Academy, my teachers, and my classmates. After graduating, I received an offer to join the Mariinsky Theatre. It’s a completely different life, and you never know what’s going to happen next.

Fast forward a few months. Sofia Valiullina and her mom arrive in St. Petersburg, after traveling for two days by train from their native Ufa. Sofia is about to start her first year at Vaganova ballet Academy. Sofia’s mom, Gulnaz, gave up her job in Ufa to travel with her daughter to a new city. Mother and daughter share the same deep-seated anxiety: if Gulnaz fails to find a job in St. Petersburg, she will be forced to return home, and the pair will be separated.

Renata Shakirova, who spent the summer dancing at the Mariinsky, returns to VBA to take the first morning class of the academic year. Tsiskaridze greets her warmly in the Academy’s corridor, congratulates her on her success at the theatre and tells her that he’s never doubted her. As the two part ways, Nikolai shouts: “And turn you feet out!” after Renata.

Renata: I don’t want to leave this place. I want to keep coming back here, keep going to classes, but I’m a member of the Mariinsky now.

Later that day, Sofia and her mom meet Renata in the Academy’s courtyard. Renata is also from Ufa, and the Valiullinas have been following her progress for many years. Meeting Renata in person has been Sofia’s dream for a long time. Renata spends some time with the pair, and tells Sofia an anecdote about her first ever role when she was a little girl. Sofia reveals that her dream is to dance Little Masha, and that she has already learnt part of the role.

*He has a very good point. The show wasn’t just good, it was groundbreaking, and hardly any of the major Russian ballet publications wrote about it. 

#vaganova #tsiskaridze #renata shakirova #press #interview #interviews

[patricedumonde]

I'm not sure what I'm missing about Koshkaryova recently but I have found her dancing underwhelming thus far? I thought she was fantastic at the Moscow IBC (Shirin variation!!!) but since then she has looked very messy. Her Corsaire, DQ bridesmaid variation and Paquita varation- all seemed noticeably off the music, frenetic, turned in and slightly sloppy turns with stiff arms. Also something about her epaulement seems off. I hope this is not related to preparing too many new roles too quickly. Additionally, I don't understand the double standards Valiullina is facing about her body type. Some people complain that she is too heavy for ballet yet fail to find fault with to other brilliant, less than stick-thin ballerinas like Maria Alexandrova and Angelina Vorontsova. I find Valiullina lovely with very effortless technique, an good jump and commanding stage presence, so naturally think the comments about her weight are quite unnecessary.

Probably because being good in competitions doesn't translate to being good in a major stage. I think there's two ways to think about this.

First, she's a fresh graduate. It's normal for her to be nervous. They're not just debuts, they're debuts on her first few months with the company. I think every legend in ballet has had their fair share of failures on stage. She'll probably have more solid footing after her first year. Second, the expectations for her are high because she's the top graduate and she's already a soloist. The bar is a lot higher for her than Yaroslavna and Sofia. Anything she will do, whether it be average or above, will likely be overlooked since we're expecting more from her.

That said, there's a lot to work on and I think she will and probably is working on them. Aside from her Paquita debut (Trilby Variation), I think she's been fine. Also, I don't know what she danced in Corsaire? Or if Bolshoi has performed Corsaire this season.

Here's a video of Natalia Makarova talking about her failures!

For Sofya, ugh I love her. You can tell that she's a thoughtful dancer. She's not a risk taker like Maria. Her technique is flawless and she's captivating on stage. She is my bias hahaha. To be honest with you, I don't look at instagram comments nor overtly negative telegram channels/forums so I'm not aware of the comments about her body. If there's an overwhelming amount of people judging her for that, that is disappointing. Does she have a more mature body, yes. Does it affect her dancing in any way whatsoever, no. She literally has the same body type as Maria Bulanova! I don't see why they can't accept her as well. She has so much potential, I hope they never hold her back just because she doesn't have the body of her 13 year old self?

#russian ballet #vaganova #bolshoi ballet #maria koshkaryova #sofia valiullina #patrice answers

[balletomaneblog]

Im so sick and tired of all the Russian netizens talking about how valiullina is too big and how she is still growing bigger. There are other prima ballerina who also are not the typical skinny to the bone type of dancers, so why are they insulting her saying that she couldn’t dance properly because of her huge bones?!! I feel so bad for her honestly and am really scared the theatre won’t be giving her many roles due to her body :(

Yes, I completely agree that they are being very cruel to Valiullina. It's very upsetting when a bunch of adults online are harsh and insulting to a teenage girl. However, so far it doesn't seem to have affected the roles she's been getting at the theatre. Recently she's debuted Waltz and Apotheosis and Spanish Dolls in the Nutcracker and she has an upcoming debut as the First Sylph soloist in La Sylphide. I very much hope she continues to be given opportunities, she so so so talented!

#ballet #sofia valiullina #bolshoi

[patricedumonde]

It’s official! The top 3 graduates of Vaganova are going to Bolshoi. This is really interesting as both Maria and Yaroslavna were trainees at Mariinsky last summer. I wonder what Yuri Fateev thinks.

This also means I only got 1/3 right as I guessed Maria would go to Bolshoi and the other two would be Mariinsky. 🙈

On July 6th, they will all be performing variations for Paquita Grand Pas. Best of luck to the three of them and I can’t wait to see them debut roles at the Bolshoi. 🥹

I will post more updates about other graduates in the coming days. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of them. Yulia Kasenkova and Lyudmila Kovaleva both had amazing students and with the top three going to Bolshoi, this means spots are open in Mariinsky.

#russian ballet #vaganova #vaganova draft #maria koshkaryova #maria koshkareva #yaroslavna kuprina #sofia valiullina #bolshoi ballet #bolshoi theatre #mariinsky ballet #dancer updates

[patricedumonde]

Im so sick and tired of all the Russian netizens talking about how valiullina is too big and how she is still growing bigger. There are other prima ballerina who also are not the typical skinny to the bone type of dancers, so why are they insulting her saying that she couldn’t dance properly because of her huge bones?!!

Honestly I’m worried that the theatre won’t be giving her more roles because of her body :(

That is really unfortunate. I never really understood the fixation on extremely long limbs and unreal hyperextensions. It's not like that always translates to skill nor artistry. Dancers typically look bigger on stage too, like in every photo I've seen of Sofya in rehearsal, she's still slender in my opinion.

So far though, she's been given a lot of roles so maybe it's not an issue for management/higher ups. We'll soon see her in Jewels and grand pas in La Bayadere. Not all the castings are out either and there are like 20 Nutcracker shows lol. I hope they give her more chances!

This really makes you wonder how many dancers we've missed because of these unrealistic standards. ( Unrelated but I'm particularly bitter about Maria Petukhova. She had technique and stage presence. There's a reason why she was beside Maria Khoreva at the barre and was a leader for center exercises. Such a disservice for lovers of the art to not have her on a main stage)

#russian ballet #bolshoi ballet #sofia valiullina #patrice answers

[balletomaneblog]

Have you watched Sofya valiullina’s Chopiniana today? I saw some clips on ig and think that she really suit this style of ballet! Think she will make a good Giselle too honestly 🥺

So sorry for the late reply! Yes, I absolutely loved Valiullina's Chopiniana debut. You're right that she's a great fit for this ballet. Valiullina is very versatile, she's one of the few dancers who can perform soft adagio style roles as well as fast-paced jumping parts.

I also totally agree with you that she'd make a wonderful Giselle! It's probably the principal role I'd most like her to debut. She currently has Myrtha in her repertoire, and while I felt the debut went quite well, I believe she's more naturally suited for Giselle.

#ballet #sofia valiullina #chopiniana #bolshoi

[patricedumonde]

What do you then think of Maria koshkareva’s debut in paquita?

For me I think her technique is great, but idk why I do not feel not much stage presence and charisma from her… not sure if it���s just me. She just look like a member of the corp de ballet when they all dance together, the only way to know she’s the lead is that she’s wearing a different costume…

It could have been A LOT better. You’re correct in that she didn’t stand out.

My concern for her in her past debuts was that she’s usually uncontrolled. We can see it in her Vaganova exams too, she’s clearly a risk taker. Sometimes even sacrificing clean finishes.

I didn’t see that brave dancer in her Paquita debut and I honestly expected more. This is usually a role that young dancers can excel in, like Alexandra Khiteyeva in her graduation performance. Masha, I think, overcorrected and was way too controlled this time. I think she had a lot more stage presence in her Trilby variation.

This might be a controversial opinion but I think Maria Koshkaryova and Maria Khoreva are both technical dancers but are not expressive dancers. Sofya Valiullina and Maria Bulanova are a bit more well rounded. They look like they are enjoying their dances, almost like they’re relishing every movement. That’s the kind of charisma I wish both the Maria Ks had.

That being said, it’s typically common in younger dancers to not have an established personality yet. I think Masha’s Paquita debut was def premature. Since she’s a soloist, they really shouldn’t have given her a principal role this early.

(Gosh so many Marias, and now that I think about it, I’m a Maria too lol)

#russian ballet #vaganova #bolshoi ballet #maria koshkaryova #sofia valiullina #maria khoreva #patrice answers

[patricedumonde]

Have you watched Sofya valiullina’s Chopiniana today? I saw some clips on ig and think that she really suit this style of ballet! Think she will make a good Giselle for this reason too honestly 🥺

Omg I can’t express how much I love her and hope she get the promotion she deserves in the future and will grow into a beautiful dancer in bolshoi ❤️

Yes I’ve seen some clips! The series of jumps/cabrioles were lovely 🥰 And just her general stage presence was perfect for this role. She did look nervous though on her turns. First turn was good, the second one she lacked a bit of push so she landed on a turned in leg. Then I think it psyched her out a bit so she didn’t stick her landing when she ended in fourth. Absolutely understandable with these fresh graduates. I love love love Sofya 💕

#russian ballet #vaganova #bolshoi ballet #sofia valiullina #Sofya Valiullina #patrice answers

[patricedumonde]

i remember seeing valiullina posted her gamzatti rehearsal a few days ago before she deleted it immediately, i think she would be a great gamzatti if she really ever get that role, wdyt?

I think they’re really too young to do Gamzatti but among the three of them, I think Sofya will do best 😊

#russian ballet #patrice answers #bolshoi ballet #sofia valiullina

[patricedumonde]

It’s really sad to see how often Maria Koshkaryova fans try to put down Sofya Valiullina, and the other way around. That is especially happening in YouTube comments and it’s such a pity. I was watching the Bolshoi rehearsal for the World Ballet Day and it’s so cute to see them gravitate towards each other in between floor combinations and sometimes just whisper together in a corner. They seem to have been best friends since childhood and moved together to a new city, likely all alone. They must be such comfort to each other through all these new challenges. I get it, the spots at the top are limited but I just really wish people would stop acting like the fact that one is doing well is somehow harming the other one. They actually like each other and that is lovely. Sorry, not a question, just something that has been on my mind for a while.

Aww that is a bummer. I haven’t really read the YouTube comments. I’m 100% sure they’re basically sisters and you’re right, I’m sure they are each other’s confidante.

Growing up in a ballet school is really interesting. You have to support each other, help each other for exams and performances, you learn how to do everything together like how to put on makeup! But you’re also competing for roles, the center spot at the barre, the attention of your teachers. There are definitely times when you get jealous of your peers, hold grudges when they get the solo you wanted. So you’re friends, but also competitors, and you can push each other to great heights.

I can’t help but wonder how much of that dynamic changes when graduates start their professional career. Is it the same? Are there more/less opportunities to both get good roles? I’m sure the competition will always be there but I’m willing to bet it’s more intense in school than in the company.

I feel like the 2018/2019 graduates are all still very close. A lot of them get the same roles. I think Anastasia Nuikina and Alexandra Khiteyeva have a lot of overlap with repertoire but they’re very good friends! I imagine it will be the same for Sofya and Masha 💕

#russian ballet #bolshoi ballet #maria koshkaryova #sofia valiullina #patrice answers

[patricedumonde]

Sofya Valiullina and Maria Koshkaryova will be dancing the first variation in Grand Pas in DQ, on November 22 and 23 respectively. Maybe they're finally becoming reasonable on Masha?

Sounds like it! 😮‍💨 This is what I fully expected them to do in the first place.

I think this the first time we’ll see them do the same variation? (I maybe wrong here) It should be interesting to compare and contrast 🤔 I hope we get videos bc you bet I’ll write about it haha

#patrice answers #maria koshkaryova #sofia valiullina

[patricedumonde]

This is 🤫

Could not help myself. Deep dive tomorrow!

Again 🤫

#russian ballet #vaganova #bolshoi ballet #sofia valiullina #dancer updates