Natalia Osipova facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Natalia Osipova
|
|
|---|---|
Natalia Osipova performs a part from the ballet Flames of Paris in 2011.
|
|
| Born |
Natalia Petrovna Osipova
18 May 1986 Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
|
| Citizenship | Russian, British |
| Education | Moscow State Academy of Choreography (The Bolshoi Ballet Academy) |
| Occupation | Ballet dancer |
| Current group | The Royal Ballet |
| Former groups | Bolshoi Ballet, Mikhailovsky Theatre |
Natalia Petrovna Osipova (born 18 May 1986) is a world-famous Russian ballet dancer. She is currently a principal ballerina, the highest rank a dancer can achieve, at The Royal Ballet in London.
Contents
Early Life and Ballet School
Natalia Osipova was born in Moscow, Russia. She started her formal ballet training when she was nine years old. From 1996 to 2004, she attended the famous Moscow State Academy of Choreography, also known as The Bolshoi Ballet Academy. There, she learned from expert teachers Marina Kotova and Marina Leonova.
A Star on the Stage
The Bolshoi Ballet
When she was just 18, Osipova joined the famous Bolshoi Ballet. She started in the corps de ballet, which is the group of dancers who perform together. She quickly showed amazing talent. In 2005, she danced the main role of Kitri in the ballet Don Quixote. Her performance was a huge success.
Because of her talent, she was promoted to soloist in 2006. By 2010, she had earned the top rank of principal dancer at the Bolshoi. However, in 2011, she decided to leave the company. She said she wanted more "artistic freedom" to explore different types of dance.
Dancing Around the World
After leaving the Bolshoi, Osipova became a guest dancer with the American Ballet Theatre in New York City. She performed in famous ballets like The Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet.
In December 2011, she joined the Mikhailovsky Ballet in Russia. She also performed in modern dance pieces, showing her talent in different styles.
Joining The Royal Ballet
On 8 April 2013, it was announced that Osipova would join The Royal Ballet in London as a principal dancer. She was excited to join because the company offered a wider variety of ballets to perform in. Her first performance with the company was as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet on 21 November 2013.
Since then, she has danced in many other famous ballets, including The Nutcracker and Giselle.
Famous Roles and Performances
Osipova is known for her powerful jumps and incredible acting ability. She brings characters to life on stage. Some of her most celebrated roles include:
- Kitri in Don Quixote
- Giselle in Giselle
- Odette/Odile (the white and black swans) in Swan Lake
- Juliet in Romeo and Juliet
- Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty
- Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker
- Anastasia in the ballet Anastasia
In 2019, a documentary film called Force of Nature was made about her life and career. She also appeared in the 2023 movie Joika, which tells the story of American ballerina Joy Womack.
Personal Life
Osipova moved to London in 2013 and is now a British citizen. She is engaged to American dancer and choreographer Jason Kittelberger. They live in north London with their four dogs.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Osipova has won many awards for her outstanding dancing.
- Grand Prix at the Prix de Luxembourg International Ballet Competition (2003)
- Prix Benois de la Danse Award, a top honor in ballet (2008)
- Golden Mask award in Russia (2008 and 2009)
- UK National Dance Awards for Best Female Dancer (2007, 2010, and 2014)
See also
- List of Russian ballet dancers
- List of prima ballerinas
