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Meet Moscow Ballet’s Olena Nalyvaiko

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Submitted by Bobbie Fachini

Metro Denver

Denver

Moscow Ballet will return to Denver’s Paramount Theatre on December 9 and 10, 2016 with three performances of its acclaimed Great Russian Nutcracker. Girl Scouts are invited to attend at discounted rates, and receive a free, fun patch with purchase of ticket. For a group of 25 or more (including chaperones, friends, and siblings), there will be a meet-and-greet with one of the dancers.

I’m Bobbie Fachini, Market Manager for Moscow Ballet’s North American tours. I had the chance to talk to Audition Director, Olena Nalyvaiko, about her life as an international dance professional and about her time here in the United States. To prepare for the tour, she will be in Denver for a few days working with Cherry Creek Dance. She will be rehearsing students at Cherry Creek who will have the chance to dance on stage with Moscow Ballet in ancillary roles.

BF: When did you start dancing?

ON: I was 3-years-old, but I really understood that I wanted to dance professionally when I was 11. My parents had me choose between studying language to be a professional interpreter or training to be a professional ballerina.

BF: Do you like to travel? Why or why not?

ON: When you travel you always have new emotions and excitement. If you travel a lot it becomes exhausting, but no matter what it is worth it. Wise people will tell you that you won’t remember the things you’ve bought, but you will always remember the emotions you get from traveling. I absolutely agree with these words. Every new city is like a small new world that you can discover.

BF: What are your favorite cities in the world?

ON: Besides the USA, I love my native city of Kiev. It is very ancient and beautiful. Berlin, Dublin, and Vancouver, too.

BF: And in the United States?

ON: I have a bunch of favorite cities in the USA: Chicago, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Denver. I visited Denver last year. It has a beautiful and interesting downtown, amazing nature, nice weather. The city is very alive. I like the state of Colorado. The mountains are breathtaking. And I enjoy working with our host studio in Denver: Cherry Creek Dance. The teachers are doing brilliant work and the kids are always prepared 100%. It is one of the best studios I have worked with during my time as Audition Director.

BF: What is your favorite thing about dancing?

ON: My favorite thing about dancing is that I can improve myself each day. My body is my working instrument. I can travel and see the world and meet different people. I enjoy being on stage and all of the stage things: play different roles, put on make-up and costumes, backdrops and props, and even our daily routine (taking class, stretching, rehearsing).

BF: Do you have advice for children who want to dance professionally?

ON: Always try to catch the best from each teacher. All of them can teach you something useful and important. Nowadays a dancer should be well-rounded and developed, so study all styles including contemporary, jazz, and ballet. Enjoy what you are doing and practice, practice, practice.

Troops can sign up for Girl Scout tickets here: http://www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets/girl-scout-groups

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