The Bolshoi Ballet’s Svetlana Zakharova is a busy prima: in addition to being a member of parliament in Russia, she had a baby last February with violonist Vadim Repin and quickly returned to her usual performance schedule. I met her in Moscow last spring, while she was gearing up for her return to the stage – we talked maternity leave, politics and achievements, and the interview is in Pointe Magazine‘s latest issue (Reverence column):

Cover of the December 2011/January 2012 issue © Pointe Magazine
You’re coming back from maternity leave. How does it feel?
It’s not easy! But as soon as I stepped back in the studio, I told myself: Svetlana, you have time to get back in shape. There used to be days when, if something went wrong in class, I wouldn’t leave until I got it right. I tried to take it easier this time.
What are the pluses—and minuses—of being a tall dancer?
Long lines, long hands I think are very beautiful. But it can be difficult to find a partner. I often have to decline offers to dance abroad because the partner wouldn’t suit me heightwise.
You always change a detail of your costume to make it yours. Why?
It’s great to have something that no one else has. Whenever possible, I like to work with costume designers, because they know how to tailor a costume to my body, how to emphasize my personality and also how to hide some things.
Who is your toughest critic?
My mom. She attends most of my performances, and if she likes something, it means it really was good. (…)
» Read the full interview in Pointe Magazine: “The Transcendant Svetlana Zakharova,” December 2011/January 2011

Svetlana Zakharova in rehearsal for Cinderella © Elena Fetisova




