#Olesya Novikova

[miss-mollys-ballet-blog]

Olesya Novikova in Sleeping Beauty.

[ballet-symphonie]

There's plenty of criticism for the young generations, the likes of Denisova, Sergeenkova (from BT), Khoreva, Ilyushkina (from MT), etc, and saying how they don't compare to the old(er) generations, Zakharova, Obratsova, Krystanova, Kaptsova,Novikova, Kondaurova... etc etc. So I'm wondering, how did the old generations do when they were new graduates around 20 years old? Were they having the same issues back then as these new dancers are having now (technical sloppiness? lack of artistry? lack of preparation for big roles?...) How do these young gen dancers compare to them when they were young?

The obvious comparison is Zakharova, this is the woman who was admitted directly into the graduating class at VBA and never spent a second in the corps. She has still set the record for speed and made principal at 18. Absolutely ridiculous. But then again, she came out of school looking like this. While she certainly didn't have the emotional depth and soulful lyricism that she developed later, she had beautifully sustained lines and nearly impeccable turnout.

Many of today's graduates have similar body types to her, but nowhere NEAR her precision or control of those extraordinarily long legs. The level of emotional depth perhaps wasn't quite there, but the technical proficiency is simply insane. But even then, that's her Nikiya at age 20...we've seen far worse in recent years.

Kondaurova is a totally different case. It's difficult to find old performance videos of her...likely because she wasn't doing anything that people deemed worthy of filming. She was not considered a prodigy at graduation, at 26 years old she was still a second soloist and it took her 12 years to get to prima- with some serious lobbying by her coaches and outside choreographers. Today's 'star' grads aren't fighting like Kondaurova. No one wanted to give her classical roles, she and her coach, then Chenikova had to battle for her to be given chances. It's maddening because we have 20-year-old first soloists and 22-year-old primas and no one bats an eye. Ratmansky was quite impressed with her, "She is more spontaneous on stage than most of her colleagues. And everything that often looks like improvisation is actually well rehearsed." That's a key difference between her and a lot of today's grads, she put in the work to appear so spontaneous and carefree- not to look technically perfect.

While there are minimal videos, I can definitely see how much she improved in the early years of her career. The clarity of pointework, stability of turnout, and general presence are much improved in the later video.

Krysanova is someone who I think had a well-paced career, but by today's pace, it looks like she was sleepwalking. She graduated BBA with a handful of prizes, and she had attention from the start. She did 3 solid years in the corps and then took another 5 years to get to prima under the detailed preparation of one of the Bolshoi's best coaches: Svetlana Adyrkhaeva. Again, Ratmansky pushed and praised her along with Osipova and she was a principal at 26- the youngest at the time. She was and continues to be, the go-to ballerina at BT for new choreographers, featured in premiere after premiere because everyone wants to harness her versatility, but that took time to develop. The older videos of her are quite good, but not mind-blowingly so in my opinion.

Obratzsova did indeed graduate to a big fuss and her star only continued to rise. She is similar to the current age of graduates, as she got loads of big roles early. By reading old reviews, there's pretty much an overwhelmingly positive consensus. She was a sensation to audiences with her Juliet, the youngest ever to dance it at MT, expertly guided by Ninel Kurgapkina. Her confidence and lightness was just irresistible, you couldn't not fall in love with her. From day one, she had the charm, the poise, and the style. Her presence was what got her roles, despite being a bit undersized. If she graduated today, I'm not sure she'd have the same opportunities. Similarly to Iliushkina, she won the gold medal at Moscow, and while reports suggest she went against administration in doing so, she proved that she could handle herself in a huge variety of repertoire. Only three years after graduating, people like Carla Fracci and Pierre Lacotte were creating work specifically for her, inside and outside of Mariinsky. This current young generation is definitely less sought after, with the exception of Khoreva, for freelancing/media/creations- although a lot of that can be blamed on COVID and then the war.

Marina Vasilyeva really struck gold in 2002 with both Novikova and Obratsova in the same class. Novikova arrived at the theatre with splendid port de bras and an organized presentation, in addition to snatching the top prize at the Vaganova International Ballet Competition in her graduating year. Additionally remarkable is her phrasing, looking blissfully effortless in addition to the intricacies of her upper body even from a young age. Every step was always clear, although not quite as luminous as she later became. I think today's graduates should be watching more videos of her and taking note of her fluidity. It took her far too long to get to principal, but she was a first soloist in 6 years, a well paced timeline in my opinion.

Nina Kaptsova really had a strong start to her career. She was dancing solo roles from her first season at the Bolshoi. In 1999, only 3 years after graduating, she was nominated for the prestigious Benois de la Danse prize. A year later, she won it. Even so, she wasn't named principal until 2011. These dancers are simply part of a different timeline, it seems like it's becoming more and more common to see dancers graduate and become principals in 5 years or less, particularly at the Bolshoi.

[hottiesbooted]

Model: Olesya Novikova

From: Bryansk, Russia.

[tikitania]

AANND… she's off the playbill. Replaced by Daria Ionova. Oh, well…one can dream. I was hoping to see her back in the theatre! She’s back!!! Olesya Novikova is back on the playbill! I find it really interesting that Konovalov is her partner. He’s been featured a lot lately and I wonder if he’s the next male dancer to be promoted? 🤔

[balletomaneblog]

Favorite ballerinas in the Mariinsky?

My favorites at the Mariinsky overall are Novikova, Osmolkina, Skorik, and Shakirova. Also, Vishneva is obviously a legend, just not dancing much anymore. Finally, Ilyushkina and Khoreva are my favorite up-and-comers.

[thestreetdancer2023]

🇪🇸9 noviembre| 🇬🇧9 November

🇪🇸16 noviembre| 🇬🇧16 November 🇷🇺Не понимаю афишу мариинскую театральную на ноябрь...

🇪🇸No entiendo la programación de Mariinski en noviembre chicos (9 de noviembre: ¿un espectáculo de «La bella durmiente» intepretado por Mariinski y un espectáculo de «Romeo y Julieta» intepretado por Bolshoi el mismo día, en la misma hora? 16 noviembre: ¿3 espectáculos de «Giselle» al día? Qué pesado...) 🇬🇧I am not understanding Mariinsky´s November programming people... (9 November: a performance of «Sleeping Beauty» interpreted by Mariinsky and a performance «Romeo and Juliet» interpreted by Bolshoi same day, same hour?

16 November: 3 performances of «Giselle» in one day?)

[balletretrospective]

My top 3 Mariinsky/Kirov Auroras

3. Diana Vishneva

She is sweet, playful, and carefree. Her personality suits aurora perfectly! I may have been fooled but it seems that this is but a fortunate coincidence. By nature, she embodies Aurora.

2. Evgenia Obraztsova

In my (perhaps controversial) opinion, she is the greatest dancer of her generation. The most absolute classical lines with such great charisma and personality. She has the sweet charm of youth, and the maturity to show the growth and change in responsibility by act three. An absolute fairytale princess.

1. Alla Sizova

The Aurora. yes, she has incomparable leaps, extraordinary technique, and is all around absolutely darling. But it's more than all that. Her seemingly effortless interpretation is unlike anyone else. I'm not sure it can be captured in words, at least, not by me. If you are yet unfamiliar, please enjoy the most perfect production of The Sleeping Beauty

honourable mentions

olesya novikova, stunning in the role but she has made such an impression in other roles that i don't automatically think aurora for her 

altynai alsmurtnova, again just beautiful in what i have seen, but there is such little video and none of very good quality that it’s hard to place her as a favourite

Even narrowing myself to this one company, I could go on adding so many incredible dancers. So, I will stop myself here. Please let me know your favourites!

[the-raging-tempest]

oh, i know you and taylor have a ballet au! i would love to hear about lariel and zrise in that au!!!! what sort of roles do you think lariel would commonly be given???

OH MY GOD YES!!! Tagging Taylor for the sake of it! @thesolemnhour Also sorry this became a monster I’m so wine tipsy.

So I’ve been actually thinking about this a lot. I think while Zrise is not one for really WANTING to do ballet by default. He would if he was made too. By his mother or grandfather. Similar to his sword training or joining the clergy.

Point of interest between Lariel and Zrise. I think making them do the same activity really brings out a really toxic element to their relationship.

Lariel is charming, likeable, and sincere. Her dance comes from the heart. She does practice but she is naturally talented. So she has a bit of a blind spot. Not realizing that not everyone can be talented or good at something they pursue. She is naive in that way. That she believes that if one puts their heart into it, they must have succeeded! Because that’s what matters to her! Also not realizing that others might not see the vulnerability in her dance. She puts her all into a performance as a show of herself. As self expression without words. She’s all about embracing herself.

Zrise is the opposite. He has to WORK for every scrap. He trained hard for his sword skills. He endured horrible treatment learning proper etiquette. He’s failed (or at least feels he has) at almost every creative and vulnerable endeavor he’s attempted. Growing flowers that disappointed his mother. He failed to learn the piano for his grandfather. He’s had to force his body to be something else. Stronger. So if he were to try and he wanted to succeed. He would be the type to overwork himself. Out of frustration and self hatred. He’s about fighting himself.

Lariel hides away from the spotlight, choosing background nameless roles. Zrise tries to get leading roles, but fails. Lariel turns down bigger opportunities. While Zrise is constantly given feedback and criticism on how he could improve.

For style.

I lean towards an all time favorite and also unforgettable suggestion by Taylor. For Lariel I love Olesya Novikova. The genuine enthusiasm, the quiet talent, the gentle grace but lively energy. She makes everything look effortless.

Zrise is harder to nail down. Only because his style to me would be a little worse in technical skill than a lot of male dancers I can think of off the top of my head. But I do love Sergei Polunin. He can be a little dramatic, powerful, showing off, taking up space, a little bit flirting with the audience. Once again to quote Taylor ‘little shit energy’

[thesolemnhour]

💕Listen I kind of already know the answer but 🩰💕

Ok, so the dancer will not be new to you, but I think the variation will be! I assign Lariel Olesya Novikova's Le Papillon.

I love Olesya Novikova to start. I find her and her dancing just like outrageously charming in a way that is insanely difficult to achieve. I just like her, no matter what she's in! She dances with this combination of vulnerability and joy that I fall in love with every single time. She dances like she still absolutely fucking loves dancing. I think of Lariel in basically the same terms!

I think Papillion is also a great Lariel variation. The cheer and effervescence of it really suits her. It sparkles, and so does she! It's also deceptively technical, and I think it would so be Lariel's way to dance it then innocently say, "Oh, is it supposed to be difficult?" Fuckin' sorcerers🙄

[miss-mollys-ballet-blog]

Olesya Novikova in her 7th year Vaganova exam.

[ballet-symphonie]

Do you happen to know why a fair amount of principals and soloists at the Mariinsky rarely ever dances? From the 6 primas, only 3 are really active ones. Also, do you know why Shklyarov and Shapran rarely ever dances? Not as partners, just in general. I understand some of the principals/soloists are closer to retirement, but that's not their case.

The only one who I really consider 'inactive' is Vishneva. She's just not here, no longer dances classical repertoire, and rarely dances contemporary work fit for the concert stage. She's obviously on the site to keep pretenses but is clearly more involved in her foundation, studio, and choreographic platform.

Novikova has had her 4th child but is certainly still dancing. I believe she returned to the stage in March and recovered quite quickly. In May alone she danced The Legend of Love, MT's La Fille du Pharaon, Giselle, and in a gala. She also did both DQ and RJ in June and danced at a gala at Alexandrinsky Theater last week.

Kondaurova had major Achilles surgery but has been doing a similar amount of work. She's dancing about 4-5 performances per month including RJ, Lilac Fairy in SB, La Fille du Pharaon etc. This is not at all a small amount especially when they're all often different ballets.

Shklyarov dances quite a bit, he's still the go to partner for numerous MT girls and most notably he just had a huge choreographic evening honoring his 20th anniversary dancing at MT.

Shapran has had long stretches of time where she was absent to a combination of injuries and illnesses on top of maturity leaves. I wouldn't be surprised if the combination of these factors makes management more hesitant to cast her.

It's also not uncommon for older dancers like all listed here to end up with a lighter schedule in the summer, this seems to be a trend at both BT and MT. Dancers like their holidays.

[gorbigorbi]

Olesya Novikova as Juliet Capulet and Timur Askerov as Romeo Montague, "Romeo and Juliet" choreography by Leonid Lavrovsky, music by Sergey Prokofiev, libretto by Andrian Piotrovsky, Sergey Prokofiev, Sergey Radlov and Leonid Lavrovsky, based on the tragedy of the same name by William Shakespeare, set and costume design by Pyotr Williams, Mariinsky Ballet, Saint Petersburg, Russia (March 29, New Stage)

Photographer Aleksandr Neff

[tikitania]

Injured again?

Maria Khoreva has been replaced from the 10/23 performance of Don Quixote — and now Olesya Novikova is scheduled for both the 20th and 23rd. I would have preferred to see Bulanova as a Kitri replacement but I don't think Bulanova and Konovalov have partnered before. Anyway, it doesn't bode well for Khoreva. I haven't really seen much of her recent outing in Giselle except a few instagram stories. It's hard to say how the performance went but from what I saw, she looked a lot better in Act 2 vs 1. It may boil down to acting, which I think is far more demanding in Act 1 - but maybe I'm wrong.

[c-g-t]

hi, message me for my personal social media accounts (if you’re not a bot)

basic facts: she/her, autistic, Taurus (May 17)

special interests: coquettecore, balletcore, pastels, ballet (especially Russian ballet!), languages, world history, art history, and Victorian/Regency era fashion.

Other interests (used to be into them years ago but can still talk about them a bit): K-pop, Hetalia, musicals, Fruits Basket, some bands

Favorite dancers: Natalia Osipova, Olga Smirnova, Diana Vishneva, Olesya Novikova, Viktoria Tereshkina

Favorite painters/styles: Monet, Degas, rococo, anything Impressionist, anything Renaissance, anything orientalist.

Languages: English (native) Spanish (studied it for 13 years in school, can understand more than speak), Japanese (studied for 2 years in college), Russian (currently learning!)

[outrageous3]

Model: Olesya Novikova.

From: Bryansk, Russia.

[everythingplus-thekitchensink]

Congratulations to the beautiful Olesya Novikova who was (finally) made a principal ballerina after her performance of Raymonda today!