Four of the world’s most beautiful ballets will be staged in one Kent theatre this week. We spoke to star performer Anna Fedosova, a principal dancer at just 20, about the life of a ballerina.

What’s a typical working day for you?

I get up early in the morning and have my breakfast which I prepare the day before, then go for a walk. Then I travel to the theatre to train for about an hour with ballet class. After that there is the rehearsal all day with a break for lunch, a short time to get ready and then the show starts.

How long does it take you to prepare for a performance?

Normally I need half an hour to warm myself up before going on stage. I do a warm-up in my special way, flexing and stretching legs and arms. I also need to keep my muscles warm between rehearsals and between show acts – for that I use leg warmers and sweaters.

How do you look after your mind and body?

Usually I try to get eight hours sleep. In my spare time I relax at home, read magazines and also try to get more sleep if I can! I like to walk along the riverbank to exercise and I don’t eat too much sweet stuff or pastry.

Do you have a favourite role or ballet?

I will be performing in all ballets on the tour and my favourite is Swan Lake, because it’s the most beautiful and the most elegant role for a ballerina – every little ballerina dreams to dance this character in her career. Although my role of Odile (The Black Swan) in Swan Lake is the one everyone says I do the best.

Have you toured the UK before?

I’ve only toured once in the UK. I like England very much. I haven’t travelled that much in my life yet but I went to Turkey and Bulgaria recently and had a great time there with my friends.

If you hadn’t become a ballerina which other profession do you think you would have gone for?

I think I could be a nurse or a doctor, because I feel compassion for people.

What would you say to any young ballet dancers in the UK?

I would say to all young dancers fall in love with dancing, with everything you do on stage and then the audience will definitely fall in love with you!

THE COMPANY

Four of the world’s most beautiful ballets will be staged by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia when it comes to Canterbury. Sleeping Beauty is the classic story of love and innocence set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score, while the most poignant of all classical ballets, Giselle is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave.

The greatest romantic ballet of all time, Swan Lake, is brought to life with Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score and features Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the prince.

Based on a traditional folk tale, the Snow Maiden sees her dance among the snowflakes in the enchanted Land of Frost, but ventures too far and dances into the human world where she is swept up by feelings of love, temptation and betrayal.
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia, now on its 14th UK tour, formed in 1981.

Under the artistic directorship of Sergei Bobrov, the company now has more than 40 dancers and 30 musicians.

DETAILS

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia will be at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre from Monday, February 29 to Saturday, March 5.

On Monday and Tuesday, the company will perform Sleeping Beauty, on Wednesday and Thursday it’s the Snow Maiden, on Friday Giselle and on Saturday Swan Lake.

For tickets from £19 call 01227 787787 or visit www.marlowetheatre.com.