Twelve star dancers from six international theatres are brought to Cyprus by the Freedom Celebrity Ballet Gala to perform in two unique ballet events on October 7 and 8 at Kourion Theatre in Limassol. The event will feature glamorous scenes and iconic adagio from a range of classical ballet masterpieces, as well as contemporary productions, accompanied by live music from the Commandaria Orchestra.
The performances are organised by Freedom Finance Europe which has partnered with the Celebrity Gala artistic programme to bring together dancers from six of the world’s leading global theatres: The Bolshoi Theatre, Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera House, the British Royal Opera, Staatsballet Berlin, the Hungarian State Opera and the Astana Opera.
Two of the leading and talented ballet stars of the Bolshoi Theatre, Igor Tsvirko and Kristina Kretova, talk about their careers and the satisfaction they receive when they are on stage, as they get ready to perform at Kourion Theatre.
Igor Tsvirko
“My mentors are the most important people in my life”
Igor Tsvirko, who has been lucky enough to work with legends of the Bolshoi Theatre, says that the greatest satisfaction he receives from his work is the audience’s applause.
How were you introduced to the world of dance?
When I was a child, my mum took me to a gymnastics studio where, seeing my musicality, they recommended that I try my hand at dancing. I did both classical and folk dances. I loved it, I enjoyed it immensely. Then I got into the Academy of Choreography and from that moment on I never left the ballet hall again. Perhaps the first time I really realised that I wanted to be a ballet dancer was when I saw the ballet Spartacus with Vladimir Vasiliev.
Who were your mentors?
My mentors are the most important people in my life. Those who taught me at the academy are no longer there, but I remember their guidance every day. In the theatre, I worked with Bolshoi Theatre legends Lavrovsky and Vladimirov. I was lucky enough to perform the role of Spartacus at Vladimir Vasilyev’s anniversary. Now my magicians at the theatre are ballet master Alexander Vetrov and my wife Kristina Kretova – these people believe in me and give me strength.
What’s the best thing about taking to the stage?
It’s an opportunity to transform, to become a completely different character for a few hours. I can be a leader, a king, a lover, a villain, a prince. The possibility of transformation is the best thing about the profession.
Did you have to make any sacrifices to reach the level you are today?
The main sacrifice is the time given to one’s family and child. The profession of an artist is ruthless – it takes up all your free time. To reach a high level, you have to spend many hours practising. The family suffers, of course, so I feel sorry for the children of any artists and actors.
What is the greatest satisfaction you get from dancing?
A moment of applause and bows. It feels good when your labour is rewarded with applause from the audience. It means it’s not all for nothing.
Kristina Kretova
“It is important to be honest with yourself”
Talented dancer Kristina Kretova entered the magical world of ballet at the age of seven and today she is one of the leading dancers at the Bolshoi Theatre.
How did you choose to pursue a career as a ballet dancer?
My parents made my choice for me, and I am very grateful to them! At the age of seven, I went to the ballet hall for the first time and fell in love with ballet with all my heart. As a result of my successes, at the age of 10 I was sent to study at the Ballet Academy in Moscow, at which point I realised that I didn’t want any other profession!
Besides talent, what else is required for a dancer to reach a good level?
It is definitely character and charisma! Every actor must be individual and unique, only then can they achieve greatness!
What were the biggest challenges you faced in your career?
Injustice! Although I don’t really like to complain, it’s a problem any big artiste faces and it really hurts their heart!
What have been your favourite dance performances to work on?
I am very fond of the choreographer John Neumeier: my favourite production he created is Anna Karenina. I always look forward to seeing my character Anna.
What is the most difficult thing about being a ballet dancer, either physically or mentally?
Don’t give up halfway! Even when it seems that everything is already lost, still go forward to the end, being honest with yourself! But this is probably not just advice for ballet dancers, but for everyone!
Get your tickets at soldoutticketbox.com.
