I will attending a complimentary performance of Swan Lake in exchange for my honest opinions.
Irina Kolesnikova in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake
One of the most beloved ballets is Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, and the most coveted role is Odette/Odile. The Prima Ballerina in the role of Odette/Odile in the first USA tour of the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre is Irina Kolesnikova. She will be on stage at the National Theatre in Washington D.C. from Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23, 2020.
As a child growing up in St. Petersburg, and with the encouragement of her parents, Irina became proficient in swimming, ice skating, and gymnastics. At the age of nine, she began her education in the art of ballet, learning at St. Petersburg’s renowned Vaganova Ballet Academy. She studied diligently under Elvira Kokorina for eight years and graduated when she was eighteen.
Irina was then accepted into Konstantin Tachkin’s St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre as a soloist under the tutelage of Svetlana Efremova. Within two years, Irina was promoted to principal. In 2001, she became the company’s Prima Ballerina.
Irina’s repertoire includes the notable roles of Clara in The Nutcracker, Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Kitri in Don Quixote, Nikiya in La Bayadere, Romeo and Juliet, Paquita, the title role in Giselle, and Odette/Odile in Swan Lake.
Today, Irina is best known for her role as Odette/Odile in Russia and throughout the world. Her Paris debut was in 2007, where she is beloved, and patrons eagerly await her performances at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees.
As much as Irina has traveled the world performing, she is dedicated to her family. Her young daughter goes on tour with her. Other family members follow her on tour, too. In her downtime, Irina enjoys to hone her embroidery work.
Irina has been awarded many Russian and international dance prizes. In March of 2019, she also received a Red Diploma, the highest level of a fully qualified Classical Ballet Teacher.
Odette/Odile in Swan Lake continues to be her trademark role. Her Swan Queen at the London Coliseum was described by the Telegraph as, “Truly a thing of remarkable beauty and technically flawless.” Come out to see her perform at the National Theatre Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23, 2020, where you can watch Irina Kolesnikova in the coveted role of Odette/Odile. Irina’s USA debut in Swan Lake is sure to be breathtaking..
Tickets for the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.thenationaldc.com or www.etix.com.
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