Kristina Shapran appointed prima ballerina at Mikhailovsky Theatre

The Mikhailovsky Theatre has added Kristina Shapran, one of the most gifted and promising of the current crop of dancers in their twenties, to its roster.

In 2009, whilst studying at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, Kristina was awarded the Mikhailovsky Theatre Grand Prix. Her rise to prominence continued two years later, when she took part in the Big Ballet project on Russian TV channel Kultura and came away with the Audience Choice Award. Kristina spent two seasons with the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Music Theatre, playing lead roles in Coppelia, which was choreographed by Roland Petit, and La Sylphide, directed by Pierre Lacotte. The ballerina’s debut at the Mikhailovsky Theatre is set to take place on 8 February, when she will take to the stage in Giselle, dancing the title role. She is currently preparing for her debut performance under the guidance of Altynay Asylmuratova, a People’s Artist of Russia.

Vladimir Kekhman, General Director of the Mikhailovsky Theatre, said: „It was Kristina Shapran’s participation in the Grand Prix competition that first drew the professional community’s attention to her. I am sure that with our help, other talented young dancers will be able to enjoy the ideal conditions in which to start their professional lives and enjoy a successful career.“

Mikhail Messerer, Ballet Master in Chief at the Mikhailovsky Theatre: „I am delighted that Kristina has joined our ballet company. I am well acquainted with her wide range of abilities, which enable her to dance with great proficiency in both classical and modern productions. Her talents leave me feeling utterly inspired.“

Altynay Asylmuratova, People’s Artist of Russia, instructor and coach: „Kristina Shapran is an extraordinary, emotional girl with a strong personality that shines through. She understands many things intuitively, and working with her is a very interesting experience. Kristina is well known in the world of ballet, and great things are expected of her; it is up to us to meet those expectations.“

Kristina Shapran, ballerina at the Mikhailovsky Theatre: „I’m making my first appearance on the Mikhailovsky Theatre’s stage in Giselle. Due to some subtle changes that Nikita Dolgushin has made in this production, a ballet with which I am familiar has the feel of something new. And this seems fitting, as I am now embarking on a whole new chapter of my life.“ www.mikhailovsky.ru