Svetlana Zakharova, a renowned ballet dancer and artist, has had a remarkable journey in the world of dance. Born in Lutsk, Ukraine, she began her training at the Kiev Choreography School at the tender age of 10. Under the guidance of Valeria Sulegina, she spent six years honing her skills and soon took part in the prestigious "Vaganova Prix" international young dancers contest in Saint Petersburg.
At just 15 years old, Svetlana won the second prize, a remarkable achievement that caught the attention of the esteemed Vaganova Ballet Academy. She was invited to join the academy, where she skipped the second class and entered the graduating class, a feat that had never been accomplished before.
Svetlana's talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, and she was soon invited to perform a solo part in the ballet "Don Quixote" at the Mariinsky Theatre. Her impressive performance as the Queen of the Dryads in this classic ballet role marked the beginning of her meteoric rise to stardom.
At 17 years old, Svetlana graduated from the Vaganova Academy and was quickly accepted into the legendary ballet company of the Mariinsky Theatre. Under the guidance of the renowned teacher and People's Artist of Russia, Olga Moiseeva, Svetlana made her debut as Maria in "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai".
She went on to dance the roles of Gulnara in "Le Corsaire" and "The 7th Waltz and Mazurka" in "Chopiniana", solidifying her position as a rising star in the world of Russian ballet.
