Zakharova Svetlana Yurevna

Zakharova Svetlana Yurevna

Biography

1996-2011

In 1996-2003 - Soloist of the Mariinsky Theater.

Since 2003 - Prima Ballerina of the Bolshoi Theater.

Yuri Grigorovich and Svetlana Zakharova at the rehearsal of the ballet "Spartak," 2008. Photo - Mikhail Logvinov

since 2008 - Prima Milan Theater "La Scala."

Member State Duma of the V convocation, since 2018 - member of the Presidential Council of the Russian Federation for Culture and Art.

Svetlana Zakharova and Joseph Kobzon at a meeting of the State Duma

In 2011, she created the charitable foundation "Promotion of the Development of Ballet Art" and established personalized scholarships for the best students of choreographic schools.

2024: Appointment as Rector of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography

In September 2024, Svetlana Zakharova became rector of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography (MGAH). She replaced Maria Leonova, who had headed the institution since 2001.^[1]

The Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova, on behalf of the department, thanked Leonova for her work and invaluable contribution to the formation and development of one of the leading ballet schools in the world.

Marina Konstantinovna remains an integral part of the academy's team, there are still many ambitious tasks ahead, "said the minister, whose words are quoted by the MGAH press service.

As Kommersant writes in the issue of September 20, 2024, the fact that Marina Leonova was going to retire was talked about both before and after her anniversary, despite the fact that at the age of 75, the rector of MGAH ruled not only the Moscow school with a firm hand, but also its branches. The successors predicted eminent ballerinas - from those who are over 40. Svetlana Zakharova, 45, was also named among the applicants, but it was believed that this post did not attract her, the publication said. It also adds that the appointment looks unexpected not only because of Svetlana Zakharova's lack of pedagogical experience: she is the current prima of the Bolshoi Theater, she has several personal programs of one-act ballets with which she tours in different countries.^[2]

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