Khaberni - Svetlana Zakharova, the Russian dancer and the first "prima" artist at the Bolshoi Theater, has been officially appointed as the director of the State Dance Academy in Moscow, according to a spokesperson for the institution.
The "TASS" agency quoted the academy saying: "By order of the Russian Ministry of Culture dated April 2, Svetlana Zakharova has been appointed as the director of the State Moscow Dance Academy."
The academy also mentioned that Zakharova had been acting as the director since September 2024.
It is noted that the famous Russian ballet dancer Svetlana Zakharova is considered one of the leading ballet stars in the contemporary world. Here are some of the major milestones in her life and career.
Upbringing and Education
Birth and upbringing: Svetlana Yurievna Zakharova was born on June 10, 1979, in the city of Lutsk (then part of the Soviet Ukrainian Republic). Her father, Yuri Sergeyevich, was a military officer, and her mother, Galina Danilovna, was a dance teacher.
Artistic beginnings: At the age of ten, she entered the Kiev State School of Dance, where she studied for six years under the supervision of professor Valeria Soligina.
Breakthrough: At the age of fifteen, she participated in the "Vaganova-Prix" International Young Dancers Competition in St. Petersburg, where she won second place. This participation drew attention to her, and she received an immediate offer to join the final year at the "Vaganova" Russian Ballet Academy, bypassing previous years.
Artistic Career
Mariinsky Theater (1996-2003): After graduating from the academy in 1996, she was accepted into the Mariinsky Ballet troupe in St. Petersburg. She quickly proved her talent, and at the age of 18, she was officially promoted to the rank of "prima" (first ballet dancer). Her coach and companion in practices was Olga Nikolayevna Moiseeva.
Bolshoi Theater and Beyond: During the 2003-2004 season, Zakharova moved to the Bolshoi Theater troupe in Moscow, where she became a prima ballerina. There, she worked under the supervision of coach Lyudmila Seminyaka. Additionally, in 2008, she also became a prima ballerina at the famous "La Scala" theater in Milan, making her one of the most prominent dancers globally.
Global Dance: Zakharova has danced in some of the world's most famous theaters, including the Paris Opera, Covent Garden in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and others. Her repertoire includes many classical and modern roles, such as "Giselle," "Swan Lake," and "Sleeping Beauty."
Awards and Honors
Svetlana Zakharova has received numerous prestigious awards and honors, including:
Russian State Prize: She received it in 2007 in recognition of her artistic talent.
Honorary Titles: She was awarded the title "People's Artist of Russia" in 1998.
International Awards: She won the grand prize in the "Jackson" International Ballet Dancers Competition (1998) and received the "Benois de la Danse" award in 2005 and the Russian "Mask" award twice (1999 and 2000).
Vision and Goals: Zakharova aims to develop the academy and improve the quality of education, focusing on fostering a new generation of ballet stars. She believes that "an artist must be multi-talented." Among her stated goals in interviews is to develop students artistically and enhance their stage presence to provide them with the experience they need for their professional lives.
