Biography
1996-
Anna’s Early Life
Born in Moscow, Russia, Anna began her artistic journey in rhythmic gymnastics. During a family vacation, a chance meeting with a woman – who encouraged her mother to consider the Bolshoi Ballet Academy – sparked a new direction for her. After a successful audition, Anna was accepted and began a new chapter in ballet.
2007-
Bolshoi Ballet Academy
Anna started professional training at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in 2007. While a student, she distinguished herself, winning several prestigious awards including the Grand Prix of the Mikhailovsky Theater (2014), third prize at the Grand Prix of Siberia (2014), and a diploma from the Yuri Grigorovich International Competition (2014). Anna’s final years at the Academy were particularly transformative owing to her training with renowned ballet master Tatiana Galtseva. This rigorous training not only refined Anna’s technique but also built the core strength and resilience she needs as a ballerina. This foundation, forged by a teacher who challenged her to overcome her own character, continues to shape her as an artist to this day.
2015-
Career Beginnings
Anna’s professional journey began six months before her graduation when legendary dancer Igor Zelensky offered her a position at the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich. Since his directorship there would not begin until the 2016/17 season, Zelensky arranged for Anna to spend the intervening year at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre in Moscow. This proved to be a pivotal year, as she was mentored by the recently retired prima ballerina Natalia Ledovskaya. This formative experience prepared her for the move to Munich, where she joined the Bayerisches Staatsballett as planned.
2018-
From Novosibirsk to Dresden
In 2018, Anna returned to Russia, joining the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre for one season. Realising her desire to dance in Europe, she attended the Grand Audition and was offered a position at the Semperoper Ballett in Dresden by director Aaron Watkin – an opportunity she eagerly accepted, especially given her height of 175 cm. Despite obstacles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Anna successfully joined the company for the 2020/21 season. Over her three seasons, Anna flourished, performing notable roles: Odette in Swan Lake, Gamzatti in La Bayadère, and the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, among others. Anna is deeply thankful to her incredible coach – Olga Kostritskaya – whose guidance became crucial to her artistic growth during those seasons.
2023-
New Chapter in London
Anna’s career took a significant turn when Aaron Watkin, director of Dresden Semperoper Ballett, was appointed Artistic Director of the English National Ballet. He invited Anna to join him in London for the 2023/24 season – an opportunity she embraced as a new chapter for further growth. Since joining, she has swiftly ascended the ranks, earning a promotion to Soloist in 2024, followed by First Soloist at the start of the 2025/26 season. Anna continues to perform significant roles, including Myrtha in Giselle and the Ice Queen in The Nutcracker, while also captivating audiences as an international guest artist.
