Svetlana Zakharova Movies and Career Information

Svetlana Zakharova (born June 10,1979) is the principal dancer with the both the Bolshoi Ballet and the Teatro alla Scala. Zakharova was born in Lutsk, Ukraine, on 10 June 1979. At age six, her mother took Svetlana to learn folk dancing at a local studio. At age 10, Svetlana auditioned for and was accepted into the Kiev Choreographic School. Just four months later, however, her father's reassignment in the army to East Germany forced Svetlana's withdrawal from school. Six months later, her family returned to Ukraine and Svetlana auditioned again for the Kiev Choreographic School. She was readmitted and immediately joined the second class, under teacher Valeria Sulegina. In 1996-1997, she debuted with the Mariinsky Ballet, appearing as Maria with Ruben Bobovnikov, in Rostislav Zakharov's The Fountain of Bakhchisarai. In 2003-2004, she accepted a long-standing open offer with the Bolshoi, reportedly due to discontent with the Mariinsky. Today, Zakharova tours and guests with the world's great ballet companies. She is highly regarded for her technical expertise, for her great feet and for her exceptionally high extensions, which invite comparisons with gymnasts. Zakharova was awarded