Upon graduating from the Belarusian State Choreographic College in 2010 with distinction, Konstantin has gradually gained international recognition and received multiple awards and nominations. In 2018 Konstantin received the title of The Honored Artist of Belarus.
Konstantin is the 1st Prize winner of Young Ballet of the World competition in Sochi (2010), 1st Prize winner of Tanzolymp competition in Berlin (2011), 1st Prize winner of The 4 Beijing International Ballet Invitational for dance schools & International Dance Performance Series (2012) and the 3rd Prize winner of The International Competition of The Ballet Artists in Astana in 2016.
Konstantin has toured Germany, France, Spain, China, Japan, Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico, and Poland as a principal dancer. His repertoire includes Basil in Don Quixote, James in Sylphide, Slave in Le Corsaire, Price in The Nutcracker, Siegfried, Joker in Swan Lake, Pas-de-trois in Swan Lake, Chipollino in Chipollino, Desire, Blue Bird in Sleeping Beauty, Peasant Pas de deux in Giselle, Frondoso in Laurencia, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet and more.
Konstantin had an artistic collaboration with the founder and director of the international festival World Ballet Stars Vadym Pysarev and has performed as a guest artist at Nina Ananiashvili’s Gala Concert, who has been described by the Daily Telegraph as one of the twelve greatest ballerinas of all time and was named Best Ballerina of the Year by the US Dance Magazine in 2002.
Ekaterina loves every part she dances; each one is dear to the heart in its own way.
She was born in Abakan, took up gymnastics at five, and began dancing a year later. Ekaterina’s professional dance career started when she was ten.
After completing her training at the Novosibirsk State Choreography College, she went on to perform at Ekaterinburg Opera and Ballet Theatre for over nine years.
Ekaterina performed on the main stages of the Bolshoi Theatre, Stanislavsky Theatre, and Alexandrinsky theatre, as well as the Samara Theatre and Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre as an invited Prima.
Ekaterina’s favorite character is Alice in Wonderland – she is strong and brave but at the same time naive and honest. She is very smart despite her young age.
Ekaterina doesn’t have the least favorite ballet moves: there are only those you don’t nail on the first try (which just means you keep working on it until it is perfected).
Ekaterina’s dream is to one day open her own ballet school.
A piece of advice to her younger self: “Keep going; you can do anything!”
Leo’s dream is to become a dancer people buy tickets to see on stage, whatever show he is in.
He was born in Padova, Italy and started his dancing career at the age of seven. His training began at John Cranko Schule Stuttgart followed by attending Vienna State Opera Ballet Academy and Vaganova Ballet Academy. After completing his education Leo spent a year dancing as part of the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company, performed the Solor part in the Bayadere at the Mariinsky Theater and now is a Demi-Soloist in Estonian National Ballet.
His favourite ballet role is the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, perhaps this is because he had such a fun time exploring this quirky and entertaining character while working on Gianluca Schiavoni’s production the ballet in Estonia. Leo finds joy in movement and expressing emotions and his personality on stage, so he is not a big fan of static roles. His dream role is Basilio in his favourite ballet Don Quixote.
A piece of advice to his younger self:
“Have more faith in the power of your passion and energy. It is OK not to be like the others and to bring your unique ideas to your dancing.”
Angelina loves the dance for its vivaciousness. She was born in a small town in Belarus called Pleshenitsy and took up gymnastics when she was six, then gradually moved on to ballet by the age of ten. Angelina received her training at the Belarus State Choreography College as well as graduating from the Belarus State University of Arts and Culture with a degree in Culturology.
The hardest and least favorite part of Angelina’s job is “paying her dues” when assigned to more static roles or parts which require more walking than dancing. She enjoys herself the most when moving and expressing herself in various roles and styles. The least favorite dance moves are the ones that require turnout – Angelina had to work hard on her turnout from an early age.
A piece of advice to her younger self: “Always find a good use for your free time. Keep improving, and never doubt yourself.n You can do it!”
Ekaterina likes trying new things in ballet and dreams of visiting Paris.
Ekaterina was born in Kaliningrad. She started dancing when she was eight years old – first as part of the ensemble called “The Dream”, but after some time, when she realized it was more than a hobby, Ekaterina moved to Minsk, Belarus, to receive her professional ballet performer training at the Choreography College.
Ekaterina danced on the stages of the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus, Royal Opera House Muscat, and other renowned venues. Her roles include Maria in La Halte de cavalerie, the Beloved in Straussiana, The Fairy of Generosity in Sleeping Beauty, Step Sister in Cinderella, Angela in Creation of the World, and Little swans in Swan Lake.
Ekaterina’s least favorite ballet move is Assemble. She also came to learn that sometimes the role that seemed wrong at the beginning – it may have been new, or challenging technique, or an unusual character temperament, became her favorite one through the work process. Ekaterina finds ways to bring color to the character and make it her own. This often turns the initially least favorite roles into the best and most interesting ones.
Ekaterina’s favorite fairy tale character is the Little Prince because he teaches us to look within, to be loyal, responsible to value friendship and love above all. Her favorite ballet role is Giselle.
A piece of advice to her younger self: “Be brave, don’t be afraid of anything, because the dream is stronger than fear.”
Saadi worked as a soloist in the Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre, performed such roles as Albert in Giselle, Kasym in Mother’s Field, Basile and Espada in Don Quixote, Birbanto in Le Corsaire, Vaslav in The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, Prince in Nutcracker, pas des trois in Swan Lake.
Saadi has many favorite roles, but one character, whose life, passion, and pain he would like to experience is Crassus in Spartacus. He also likes Basile in Don Quixote and Kasym in Mother’s Field. Saadi’s least favorite ballet moves are Adagio and Cabriole; the roles he likes the least are those, which do not give the performer much space for dramatic expression.
A piece of advice to his younger self: “There are no small roles, only small actors.”
Anastasia’s path to ballet started from ice-skating.
She was born in Saint Petersburg and had a love for sports since early childhood, when she began ice-skating at the age of four. After some time she took up gymnastics and eventually started dancing at the age of nine. Anastasia has completed her training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint-Petersburg and was invited to dance at Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
As a permanent company member of the World Ballet Series, she performed such roles as Pas de Trois, Big Swans’ dance, Walz, Bride’s dance, Spanish dance, and the Russian dance in Swan Lake, the Waltz of Snowflakes (Solo), Waltz of the Flowers (Leading couples), and the Russian dance in the Nutcracker.
Anastasia’s dreams to continue doing the work that she loves, and that brings her joy. Her favourite fairy-tale character is the Little Mermaid, and favourite ballet is Swan Lake – even though it is one of the most difficult ballets to perform. As for the role she would like to perform one day, it would definitely be Aurora from “Sleeping Beauty”.
A piece of advice to her younger self:
Always believe in yourself, never despair, never give up.
Dmitry believes that there is no such thing as a bad role. He was born in 1991 in Slutsk, Belarus and right after graduating from Choreographic College in 2011 was invited to join Belarus State Academic Musical Theatre as a principal dancer.
Ironically, Dmitry is a recipient of a “Crystal Slipper” Diploma. In 2014, he became a laureate of the 2nd International Baltic competition and also received an award for his contribution to the performing arts from the Minsk City Council.
His favorite cartoon character is Timon from The Lion King because his positivity can charm anyone.
Dmitry believes that every role gives a performer an opportunity to grow. However, his favorite one is Romeo from Romeo and Juliet.
His least favorite ballet move is Gargouillade.
Dmitry hopes to show as many people around the world as possible that ballet is not boring.
A piece of advice to his younger self: “Keep working. This is the best profession in the world.”
A seasoned traveller, Igor lived and worked in many countries of the world, including Dubai and China.
He was born in Minsk and started dancing when in the second grade. Right after graduating from Choreographic College in Minsk, Igor was invited to the Belarus Musical Theatre, where after three months he was promoted to soloist. In 2014 Igor moved to Dubai, where he lived and worked with his wife for two years, after which the couple received and accepted an invitation to move to China for three years.
Igor loves fairytales. But favourite fairy-tale character depends on the current preference of his little daughter. His least favourite ballet role was Shakhriyar in 1001 Nights, because Igor was offered to dance the part at the age of 19 and was convinced he would not rise up to the challenge. It seemed to him that at such young age it would be impossible to play a wise, grown-up king.
A piece of advice to his younger self: “Good job! You’ve done everything right. Have no regrets and never betray your principles.”
Darya hopes to visit all the beautiful and historical places of the world. She was born in the town of Smorgon and fell in love with dancing from a young age, taking ballroom dancing and jazz. At the age of nine, Darya began her professional classical dance training. Graduated from the Belarus State Choreography College and received a degree in teaching from the Belarus State Academy of Music.
Darya danced solo parts in every production of the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus’ repertoire, as well as leading roles, such as Gamzatti in La Bayadere, Odette/Odille in Swan Lake, Kitty Scherbatsky in Anna Karenina, Tzarina in The Firebird, and many others.
Darya’s favorite fairy tale character is Belle from Beauty and the Beast because she is very courageous, kind to everyone, and pure of heart. Her favorite ballet is Anna Karenina.
When it comes to the least favorite ballet move, Darya is not a fan of fouetté efface.
A piece of advice to her younger self: “Be brave, don’t hide your potential. Modesty is a virtue, but it only holds you back when it comes to ballet.”
Maxim was born in Minsk, Belarus, and started dancing when he was 6. His dance career began in a ballroom dancing class, but after a while, Max found himself in the world of ballet. He received his training at the Belarus State Choreography College and was invited to the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus. Since then, Maxim has performed on various stages across the world.
Maxim does not have the least favorite dance moves; there are only those he is yet to master. His least favorite character is Crassus in Spartacus – he is vain, full of hubris, and thinks he is invincible.
A piece of advice to his younger self: “Have more confidence in yourself! (But I wouldn’t have enough confidence to take my own advice).”
Mizuki dreams to travel the world.
She was born in Japan and started dancing when she was three. Mizuki trained at Ecole de ballet MU in Japan until the age of 17 when she continued her education and training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy. After graduation, she was invited to perform at the Astrakhan Opera and Ballet State Theatre.
Her favorite fairy-tale character is Belle from Beauty and the Beast because “she is kind, smart, beautiful and never judges people by their appearance.” Her favorite ballet part is Lise in La Fille mal Gardee.
A piece of advice to her younger self: “Don’t ever lose sight of joy, and be grateful for the opportunity to dance on stage. Keep trying”
Eldiiar hopes that one day there will be peace on Earth and wishes for more kindness in the world.
He was born in Kyrgyzstan and started dancing at the age of ten at the Bishkek Choreography college. Eldiiar continued his training at the Beishenaliiyeva Kyrgyz Arts and Culture State University and graduated in 2021 as a teaching choreographer.
Eldiiar gained a vast performing experience at home, on the grand stage of the Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Academic Theatre.
His favorite ballet is Don Quixote (he would like to one day dance Basile), and his favorite ballet character is Spartacus from the ballet of the same name because of the main character’s will to fight for freedom. In the contrast, his least favorite role is Hans from Giselle, because the love triangle between Albert, Giselle, and Hans eventually drove Giselle mad.
A piece of advice to his younger self: “Work smarter, not harder.”
Egor Azarkevich graduated from the Belarusian State Choreographic College and joined the ballet company of the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus in 2007. He is famous for his portraying of the Slave and Solor in La Bayadère, Ali in Le Corsaire, Siegfried and Von Rothbart in Swan Lake, Romeo, Tybalt and Paris in Romeo and Juliet, Soloist in Paquita, Spartacus and Crassus in Spartacus, The Price in The Nutcracker, Khan Girey and Vaslav in The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, the Poet and Goliard in Carmina Burana, Rogneda`s brother in Passions (Rogneda), Phoebus in La Esmeralda, God and Adam in The Creation of the World, Price in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Hans in Giselle, Gurn in La Sylphide, Shakhzaman in Scheherazade, Tristan in Tristan and Isolde, His Excellency and Student in Anyuta, Espada in Don Quixote, Price and Désiré in The Sleeping Beauty, Dark Angel and Boy in Serenade, The Vizier in Thamar, José in Carmen Suite, Soloist in Bolero, Ivan in The Firebird, Bahram in Seven Beauties, The Pilot in Le Petit Price and many others.
Egor has toured Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, China, Mexica, South Korea, Syria, Egypt, and Lebanon as a principal dancer.
Egor obtained a diploma in Rudolph Nureyev International Ballet Competition (RNIBC) in Budapest as a finalist in 2008.
Kyunsun Park was born in Korea, yet received a Vaganova Ballet education which gives her performances their own unique fabric.
She was trained at the Russian Ballet Academy in Japan, spent three years at the Vaganova Ballet Academy and performed with the Odessa State Opera and Ballet Theatre.
Most majestic for her, thus far, has been her time as a soloist at the Yekaterinburg State Academical Opera and Ballet Theatre.
Kyunsun’s finesse and prowess no doubt comes from her training with Irina Sytnilova (formerly a Mariinksy soloist and Associate Professor at the Vaganova Russian Ballet Academy) and “Sir of Dance,” Gennady Selutsky, one of the most honored professors at the Russian Ballet Academy who danced for over 35 years with the Mariinsky Ballet.
Born in a small town in Kyrgyzstan – the town of Balykchy, Kanat never thought about ballet as a child, just played football and enjoyed the delights of country life. At the age of 11, his family moved to the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, and he needed to continue his studies somewhere. His uncle, the People’s Artist of the USSR, the famous ballet dancer Cholponbek Bazarbaev, having looked at his natural abilities, advised him to enter the ballet school. Thus began the story of Kanat in ballet.
While still a high school student, Kanat already danced solo parts at the Bishkek Academic Theater. In 2010 he began to cooperate with the Moscow troupe “Moscow City Ballet.” From 2012 to 2014 he was a soloist of the ballet theater in Seoul “Universal ballet.”
In 2015 he moved to Vladivostok as the premier of the Mariinsky Theater of the Primorsky Stage (there he met Irina Sapozhnikova – his future wife).
He repeatedly danced on the Historical Stage of the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg the classical repertoire of World Ballet Series.
In 2021 he was invited to the Bashkir Opera and Ballet Theater as the premiere of the ballet troupe. At the moment he is the premier of the ballet troupe of the Kyrgyz Academic National Opera and Ballet Theatre, also the premier of the Bashkir Opera and Ballet Theater and the invited premier of the Rostov Musical Theater (Rostov-on-Don).
Anton was born in Minsk. He graduated from the Belarusian State Choreographic College. While still in the last years of study he was accepted into the troupe of the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus. Possession of bright artistic and technical abilities allowed him to achieve success in the shortest possible time and become the Premier of the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus. Over the years of work, there was not a single performance in which he would not take part. Each role performed by him makes you think and leaves a mark on your heart for many years, and the possession of natural stage charm leaves no one indifferent and makes every viewer fall in love with him.
During the period of work, he participated in all tours of the theater, in more than two dozen countries. He enjoys great respect and influence in the team. He passes on his brilliant skills and experience to the younger generation, being not only a teacher at the Belarusian State Choreographic College, but also a teacher-tutor at the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus. His sense of style and ability to think outside the box was repeatedly used by choreographers when staging new performances, when he was involved as an assistant director (Anastasia, Polovtsian Dances, Faust, The Little Humpbacked Horse, etc.).
In 2008, for achievements in the profession, he was awarded the Francysk Skaryna medal, and in 2013 he was awarded the honorary title of Honored Artist of the Republic of Belarus. In the summer of 2022, for outstanding creative achievements, merits in the field of culture and art, he was awarded the title – People’s Artist of Belarus!
Andrea Lassakova was born in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, and received her dance training exclusively with Klara Skodova at the Eva Jacz Dance Conservatory, the primary training facility for the Slovak National Ballet. Upon graduation, Andrea joined the Slovak National Ballet immediately at the rank of demi-soloist. In 2013 she was invited to join the junior company of the Finnish National Ballet.
Irina was born in a small town in Russia, (town of Abdulino, Orenburg region). Since childhood, she loved to dance and from the age of 4 she began to attend a ballet class. She first appeared on stage at the age of 6, and immediately fell in love with it.
At the age of 11, she entered the Bashkir Choreographic School named after R. Nureyev (Rudolf Nureyev took his first dance steps at this school and after that went on to St. Petersburg to enter The Vaganova Academy). She studied there for 8 years and after graduating from the ballet school with honors she was accepted into the ballet troupe of the Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theater (Ufa). Gradually, having gone through the entire corps de ballet, she began to dance solo parts in classical and modern ballets.
In 2010, for the first time, Irina went to a ballet competition in the city of Istanbul and won her first silver medal. This was a huge victory for her and a big push for future victories. After this competition, for several years, Irina won 6 silver medals at other international competitions, including the world-famous competition in the city of Jackson (USA), which takes place every 4 years.
After working at the Bashkir Theater for 6 years, Irina, at the invitation, moved to the city of Vladivostok, where a new theater was opened (2013), the Mariinsky Theater in the Far East. In this theater, she performed the leading roles in all performances. Repeatedly, as part of the troupe of this theater, Irina danced on the historical stage of the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg.
Since December 2021, Irina has returned to the Bashkir Opera and Ballet Theater as a prima ballerina, where she has been working to this day. In 2015, Kanat Nadyrbek came to Vladivostok at the invitation of the leadership to perform the part of Siegfried in the ballet Swan Lake. Irina was his partner and this is how they first met. Three years later, they got married, and in 2020 the couple had a daughter. To this day, they often dance together a varied classical repertoire and also tour the world.
Edita was born in Wrocław, Poland. She began dancing when she was four years old and completed her training at the State Ballet School in Berlin, Germany. She has gone on to perform at the Wrocław Opera, Theater Dortmund and Theater Magdeburg. Her favourite ballet role is Giselle – a beautiful story teaching us that one should never play with the feelings of others.
A piece of advice to her younger self: Never give up.