I came to Russia to study ballet when, at the age of 13, I made a decision to change my life cardinally. As far as I am concerned – there is no, and nor has there ever been, a ballet superior to the Russian one. I wanted to learn from the best teachers, and I am very happy to have made the correct choice – to have chosen the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.

I remember quite a few things from my life at the Academy, and every recollection I cherish in my heart even now. I remember numerous instructions by my teachers, as well as the time spent with my classmates.

Had it not been for my teachers at the Academy, I wouldn’t have become the performer I am now. I remember how I injured myself at a theater audition and had no other choice but to miss the graduation galas at the Academy, and Ms. Ivanova, who teaches folk and character dance, told me “Whatever happens, happens for the best”. That was the first time I heard that Russian proverb, and it took me several years to realize how right it is.

After graduation, I joined the company of the Krasnoyarsk Opera And Ballet Theater as a lead dancer. Together with Sergey R. Bobrov, my teacher at the theater, we worked on my first professional part – Prince Siegfrid from the Swan Lake. I am very happy Mr. Bobrov became my instructor and mentor at the Theater. He always allowed me to show myself, and we consistently worked on new parts, which helped me to grow professionally. A few last years of my life have been especially full with events. I was nominated for the Golden Mask Prize for the best male prize in the Catarina ou la Fille du Bandit (Catarina or the Daughter of a Bandit); I received a Participant Diploma at the 14th International Ballet Competition in Moscow, took part in the Big Ballet TV project. The 2023/24 season is my first season with the company of the Stanislavsky Musical Theater in Moscow. Its highlights are two main parts – Nutcracker/Prince in the Nutcracker and Danila in the Stone Flower.

The main things I learned at the Academy are self-discipline and love for my profession. Every day I think that I do what I really like. My profession is an inspiration for me, and I think that it is important to fall in love with it again and again, in order to grow professionally and avoid boredom.

My message to young male performers, such as myself, both from Russia and abroad, I would like to say that they are going to have a completely new life – very challenging yet incredibly thrilling. At the Academy, they will nurture you to be potent performers and teach you to keep on trying.