St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s production of Tchaikovsky’s ‘SWAN LAKE’ at the National Theatre

Legendary Russian prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova makes her long-anticipated USA debut. Acclaimed from London to Sydney, from Johannesburg to Paris, Kolesnikova brings together guest artists from the world’s leading ballet companies in the spellbinding St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s production of Tchaikovsky’s ‘SWAN LAKE’ at the National Theatre beginning Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23, 2020.

We were inspired by her journey to becoming a Prima Ballerina and continuing to dance professionally as a mom. We had a chance to ask Irina Kolesnikova about that journey to becoming Mama Prima Ballerina. We are excited to share her answers with you!

Your journey to becoming Prima Ballerina is inspiring! What helped you to work so persistently for your dreams on the hard days?

Since early childhood, dancing for me was the same as breathing. I felt like dancing was life to me and I believed I would become a ballerina. Indeed, there were many hard moments, not easy periods during my study in Vaganova Academy same as after graduation and getting into career of professional ballet dancer. However, when believing in yourself, not thinking of a different path, seeing own progress – difficulties are not barriers, it’s vice versa. Of course, the audience give the energy. Often it happens to be that after the show I receive such an energetic charge during Curtain Call which lasts for a long time.

Has being a ballerina prepared you for motherhood? Do you have any tips for working moms?

I have always wanted to become a mother. Profession cannot be a barrier since the main destination of any woman is motherhood. Advices? Perhaps, it is hard to give advices as every woman got her own story, profession, family situation. Main advice – never put career achievements above relationship with your child. As no career can replace simple human happiness.

Do you dance with your daughter?

Rarely! However, mainly Vasilisa is dancing on her own! She knows the music and choreography of Swan Lake by heart. As soon as she hears any fragment, she immediately shows what is actually happening on stage.

My 6 year old wants to know – What is the hardest part of being a Prima Ballerina?

The hardest part is when your whole body is in pain, despite that you still have to go to the studio doing company classes, rehearsals. Even if you have a show, you have to dance through the pain making sure the audience will not notice it. It is not their fault, they came for a joy and you must do whatever it takes.

My 5 year old wants to know – What is your favorite ballet to perform?

Perhaps, there are two – La Bayadere and Romeo and Juliet.