VLADIMIR VASILIEV. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CREATIVE PERSONALITY.
The second (expanded and expanded) edition of the unique book “Vladimir Vasiliev. Encyclopedia creative personality" The first edition was published in 2000 - on the occasion of the anniversary of Vasiliev, who became the first and only living person to whom a personal encyclopedia was dedicated. – a huge work about the life and work of the great ballet dancer, choreographer, director, set designer, artist, poet: 326 pages of the encyclopedia contain more than 900 articles. The author of the book is Elena Fetisova, a psychologist by training (she is also the author scientific publications about the psychology of personality and creativity) and a photo artist by vocation (which was noted by awarding her the “Soul of Dance” prize in 2015), for more than 40 years she photographed Vasilyeva at performances, rehearsals, concerts, filming, creative evenings, etc. She has collected, systematized and compiled into articles a huge amount of information about all Vladimir Vasiliev’s roles in ballets, all performances with his participation and performances staged by him with full description stage stories; all his roles in television ballets, feature films; about the films in which Vasiliev starred and directed; about the performances and gala concerts that he directed; about international ballet competitions, where he was the chairman of the jury; about his awards, prizes, prizes, honorary titles; photo albums, books, exhibitions dedicated to him; personal exhibitions of Vasilyev the artist, publications of his poetry and much, much more. Among the people presented in the encyclopedia: artists - the first performers of Vasiliev’s productions; his partners in plays and films; choreographers who choreographed specifically for him; composers, conductors, artists, choirmasters, accompanists - participants creative projects Vasiliev, directors and cameramen who made films about Vasiliev or together with him; Vasiliev’s teachers at the Moscow Art University and teachers at the Bolshoi Theater, his students at GITIS; ballet researchers and photographers, especially interested in Vasiliev’s work, etc.
Rich illustrative material (more than 450 photographs, almost half of which were taken by the author of the book) includes rare photographs from the personal archive of Vladimir Vasiliev, the museum Bolshoi Theater, State Central Theater Museum named after. A.A. Bakhrushina, Charitable Foundation“The New Birth of Art”, private collections, works of famous domestic and foreign photographers, many of which are published for the first time. The articles are arranged in alphabetical order, and each letter opens with a photograph of the Vasiliev production that begins with this letter: A – “Anyuta”, I – “Icarus”, M – “Macbeth”, etc. In addition to scenes from the performances, articles about the productions are illustrated with posters, performance programs, and photographs from rehearsals.
The encyclopedia includes an Appendix - “About creativity and not only” - containing information about Vasiliev’s performances (including comic ones) at various festivals, congratulations from colleagues and friends on his anniversaries, original gifts and dedications to Vladimir Vasiliev, as well as friendly cartoons, epigrams, a mosaic of geographical names associated with his stay and many others. other. Appendix articles are also illustrated rare photographs, mostly unknown to the general public.
The book presents the works of Vasiliev the artist and set designer, his poetic works, and also for the first time small fragments of Vladimir Vasiliev’s memoirs, exclusively provided by him for this publication, are published.
You can purchase the book:
In the Bolshoi Theater store.
Address: Moscow, st. Theater Square, 1. 9th entrance of the main building.
In a bookstore Moscow
Address: st. Tverskaya 8 building 1
They also have an online store www.moscowbooks.ru
In the Mariinsky Theater store
Address: St. Petersburg, st. Theater Square, 1
On the publishing house website http://www.bookmusic.ru/
Vladimir Viktorovich Vasiliev
Vladimir Viktorovich Vasiliev. Born on April 18, 1940 in Moscow. Soviet and Russian artist ballet master, choreographer, theater director, actor, artist, poet, teacher. People's Artist of the USSR (1973).
Father - Viktor Ivanovich Vasiliev, driver.
Mother - Tatyana Yakovlevna Vasilyeva, worked in the sales department at a felt factory.
I ended up in choreography completely by accident. Then he went to the second grade of school. One day he was walking in the yard and his friend invited him to the Palace of Pioneers to dance. As Vasiliev recalled, he came to his first lesson barefoot. First of all, the boy was struck by the teacher: “We were children of the courtyards, after the war, and here such a magical creature appeared. She had an amazing hairstyle, she was accompanied by the aroma of perfume, and it seemed to me that some kind of goddess had come out. And she started us learn the waltz. You know, the first dance, but for me it really turned out to be simple.”
He turned out to be such a capable student that after his first lesson ended, the teacher asked Vladimir to stay to... show the other group how to dance the waltz correctly! “I was simply shocked: the first lesson - and they immediately offered me this! Then there was a lot more, she called my mother, told me that I had talent...”
So, in 1947, he began dancing; this, as it turned out, determined his entire future fate.
Later he entered the Moscow Choreographic School (now the Moscow State Academy of Choreography), from which he graduated in 1958, class of the famous teacher M.M. Gabovich.
In 1958-1988 - leading soloist of the Bolshoi Theater ballet group. He made his debut in 1959 as Danila in the ballet “The Stone Flower” by Sergei Prokofiev. A year later he became the first performer of the role of Ivanushka in the ballet “The Little Humpbacked Horse”.
Over the years of his brilliant career, he danced almost all the leading roles of classical and modern ballets. Among the most significant works- Basil in the ballet “Don Quixote” by L.F. Minkus, Petrushka in the ballet of the same name by I.F. Stravinsky, The Nutcracker in the ballet by P.I. Tchaikovsky, Spartacus in the ballet by A.I. Khachaturian, Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet” by Prokofiev, Prince Désiré in “The Sleeping Beauty” by P.I. Tchaikovsky and many others.
Vladimir Vasiliev in the ballet "Spartacus"
He also performed in ballets by foreign directors - R. Petit, M. Bejart, L. F. Massine. He created vivid, memorable images, often offering a new interpretation of them. The artist has the highest dance technique, the gift of plastic transformation and great acting skills.
He himself, answering a question about his best works on the ballet stage, said: “I can name only two that I strongly disliked: one is the blue bird in The Sleeping Beauty, and the second is the young man in the ballet Chopiniana. I simply hated them - there was no - something of development: well, well, a blue bird, well, flutters and flutters. These two roles just didn’t grab me at all.”
At the same time great master, strict with himself, was invariably overcome by a feeling of dissatisfaction: “Throughout my entire life I have danced many performances, I won’t even say how many, but none have ever satisfied me, at least not my performance. You know, I have never had this feeling: “ God, I did it just great!" There was always something wrong in the first act, then in the second. In another performance, everything seemed to work out, but there was no fusion with the music. I don’t know, probably "An artist must always remain unsatisfied. In general, I never considered myself a genius."
Since 1961, he acted in films, making his debut in the role of Ivanushka in the ballet film “The Tale of the Little Humpbacked Horse” directed by Zoya Tulubieva and Alexander Radunsky based on the fairy tale of the same name by P. Ershov.
Later he starred in the films “Abduction” (artist Vasiliev), “Romeo and Juliet” (Romeo), “Gigolo and Gigoletta” (Sid Cotman).
Vladimir Vasiliev in the film "Gigolo and Gigoletta"
As a director, he directed the film-play “Anyuta”, in which he also played the role of Pyotr Leontievich, and later the musical drama “Fouette”, in which he played the main characters - Andrei Yaroslavovich Novikov and the Master.
Vladimir Vasiliev in the film "Anyuta"
Vladimir Vasiliev in the film "Fouette"
Since 1971, he began working as a choreographer, choreographing many ballets on the Soviet and foreign stages, as well as television ballets.
In 1982 he graduated from the choreographer's department of GITIS. In 1982-1995 he taught choreography there. In 1985-1995 - head of the department of choreography (since 1989 - professor).
In 1989, there was a huge scandal at the Bolshoi Theater. Then leading theater artists, among whom were Vladimir Vasiliev and Ekaterina Maksimova, wrote an open letter to the Pravda newspaper. They claimed that Russian ballet was deteriorating and accused it of dictatorship artistic director Yuri Grigorovich's troupe.
The scandal ended with the dismissal of Vasiliev and Maksimova. They worked abroad: the Paris Grand Opera, Milan's La Scala, Metropolitan Opera, Rome Opera. Later they returned to their homeland.
“Ballet occupies my whole life, and all my work was dedicated only to it”, - said Vladimir Vasiliev.
In 1995-2000 he worked as artistic director ballet troupe and director of the Bolshoi Theater.
Since 1989 - full member of the International Academy of Creativity, since 1990 - of the Academy Russian art. Also since 1990 - Secretary of the Union of Theater Workers of Russia, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Russian Center of the International Dance Council at UNESCO.
Since 1992, he has been a member of the jury of the Russian independent award for the highest achievements of literature and art “Triumph”.
Since 1995 - honorary professor at Moscow State University.
Since 1998 - President of the G.S. Foundation. Ulanova.
In 1990-1995 - chairman of the jury, and since 1996 - artistic director of the Open Competition of Ballet Artists "Arabesque" (Perm). In 2008, “Arabesque” coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of the creative activity of the married couple and therefore the Xth competition was dedicated to them.
In 1999, on the initiative and direct participation of V. Vasiliev, the ballet school Bolshoi Theater in Joinville (Brazil).
In 2003, he was on the jury of the Eurovision Young Dancers 2003 competition in Amsterdam.
Since 2004 - Chairman of the jury of the annual International children's festival"Tanzolymp" in Berlin.
In 2014, he performed as Ilya Andreevich Rostov in the mini-ballet “Natasha Rostova’s First Ball” to combined music (choreography by Radu Poklitaru), shown at the opening of the Winter Festival Olympic Games 2014 in Sochi.
In 2015, in honor of the dancer’s 75th birthday, the premiere of the ballet performance “Donna nobis pasem” to the music of Bach took place. The hero of the day acted as a ballet director, the parts were performed by Tatarsky dancers academic theater named after Musa Jalil.
Writes poetry and paintings. “It’s immunity for me to embody myself in poetry and painting,” Vasiliev explained.
Vladimir Vasiliev and Ekaterina Maksimova. More than love
Vladimir Vasiliev's height: 185 centimeters.
Personal life of Vladimir Vasiliev:
Wife - (1939-2009), ballerina, People's Artist of the USSR, his constant stage partner.
Catherine was the granddaughter of a scientist-philosopher who was executed in 1937. They met in Moscow in the late forties. Vladimir was then nine years old, and Ekaterina was ten. They both had a passion for ballet. Catherine did not pay attention to him for a long time special attention, only in the last class of ballet school did Vladimir realize that he could not live without her and confessed his love to Maximova. She reciprocated.
They have become one of the most beautiful couples world ballet, they were applauded by presidents and monarchs, the Queen of Great Britain called them “ballet geniuses.” They knew each other for 60 years, and were married for almost half a century - until Maximova’s death.
They lived in the village of Snegiri near Moscow, where they moved in the early 1970s.
We really wanted to have children, but it didn’t work out.
Filmography of Vladimir Vasiliev:
1961 - The Tale of the Little Humpbacked Horse - Ivanushka
1961 - USSR with an open heart (documentary)
1969 - Kidnapping - artist Vasiliev
1969 - Moscow in notes
1970 - Trapeze (film-play)
1970 - Amusement Parade (documentary)
1973 - Duet (documentary)
1974 - Romeo and Juliet - Romeo
1975 - Spartacus (film-ballet) (film-play) - Spartak
1978 - The Nutcracker (film-play) - The Nutcracker, Prince
1980 - Gigolo and Zhigoletta (short) - Sid Cotman
1980 - Bolshoi Ballet(film-concert) (film-play)
1981 - 50 years of Sergei Obraztsov’s puppet theater (film-play)
1982 - House by the Road (film-play) - Andrey
1982 - Anyuta (film-play) - Pyotr Leontyevich, Anyuta’s father
1985 - Anna Pavlova (documentary)
1986 - Fouette - Andrey Yaroslavovich Novikov / Master
1987 - Ballet in the first person (documentary)
1988 - Grand Pas in white night
1990 - Katya and Volodya (documentary)
1991 - Revelations of choreographer Fyodor Lopukhov (documentary)
2005 - The Rise and Fall of Maris Liepa (documentary)
2006 - 100 years of non-loneliness. Igor Moiseev (documentary)
2006 - How idols left. Aram Khachaturian (documentary)
2007 - How idols left. Maris Liepa (documentary)
2007 - Nerijus (documentary)
2009 - Lifelong Fouette... (documentary)
2009 - Blue sea... white ship... Valeria Gavrilin (documentary)
2009 - Savely Yamshchikov. I am listed in Russia (documentary)
2010 - Tatiana Vecheslova. I am a ballerina (documentary)
2011 - Iya Savvina. Explosive mixture with bell (documentary)
Director's works of Vladimir Vasiliev:
1981 - The World of Ulanova (documentary)
1982 - Anyuta (film-play)
1986 - Fouette
Ballet parts by Vladimir Vasiliev:
Bolshoi Theater:
1958 - “Rusalka” by A. Dargomyzhsky, choreography by E. Dolinskaya, B. Kholfin - gypsy dance;
1958 - “Demon” by A. Rubinstein - dance “Lezginka”;
1958 - choreographic picture “Walpurgis Night” in the opera “Faust” by C. Gounod, choreography by L. Lavrovsky - Pan;
1958 - “Chopiniana” to the music of F. Chopin, choreography by M. Fokine - Soloist;
1959 - “The Stone Flower” by S. Prokofiev, staged by Y. Grigorovich - Danila;
1959 - “Cinderella” by S. Prokofiev, choreography by R. Zakharov - Prince;
1959 - “Dance Suite” to the music of D. Shostakovich, staged by A. Varlamov - Soloist - first performer;
1960 - choreographic miniature “Narcissus” to the music of N. Cherepnin, choreography by K. Goleizovsky - Narcissus is the first performer (“Evening of new choreographic miniatures”);
1960 - “Romeo and Juliet” by S. Prokofiev, choreography by L. Lavrovsky - Benvolio;
1960 - “Shurale” by F. Yarullin, staged by L. Yakobson - Batyr;
1960 - “The Little Humpbacked Horse” by R. Shchedrin, staged by A. Radunsky - Ivanushka - first performer;
1961 - “Forest Song” by M. Skorulsky, choreographers O. Tarasova, A. Lapauri - Lukash - first performer;
1961 - “Pages of Life” by A. Balanchivadze, choreography by L. Lavrovsky - Andrey;
1962 - “Paganini” by S. Rachmaninov, staged by L. Lavrovsky - Paganini;
1962 - “Spartacus” by A. Khachaturian, staged by L. Yakobson - Slave - first performer;
1962 - “Don Quixote” by L. Minkus, choreography by A. Gorsky - Basil;
1963 - “Class Concert” to the music of A. Glazunov, A. Lyadov, A. Rubinstein, D. Shostakovich, staged by A. Messerer - Soloist - was among the first performers of this ballet;
1963 - “Laurencia” by A. Crane, choreography by V. Chabukiani - Frondoso;
1963 - “The Sleeping Beauty” by P. I. Tchaikovsky, choreography by M. Petipa, revised by Yu. Grigorovich - Blue Bird;
1964 - “Giselle” by A. Adam, choreography by J. Coralli, J. Perrot and M. Petipa, revised by L. Lavrovsky - Albert;
1964 - “Petrushka” by I. Stravinsky, choreography by M. Fokin - Petrushka;
1964 - “Leyli and Majnun” by S. Balasanyan, choreography by K. Goleizovsky - Majnun - first performer;
1966 - “The Nutcracker” by P. I. Tchaikovsky, staged by Y. Grigorovich - The Nutcracker Prince - first performer;
1968 - “Spartacus” by A. Khachaturian, staged by Y. Grigorovich - Spartacus - first performer;
1971 - “Icarus” by S. Slonimsky in his own production - Icarus;
1973 - “Romeo and Juliet” by S. Prokofiev, choreography by L. Lavrovsky - Romeo;
1973 - “The Sleeping Beauty” by P. I. Tchaikovsky, choreography by M. Petipa in the second edition by Yu. Grigorovich - Prince Désiré - first performer;
1975 - “Ivan the Terrible” to the music of S. Prokofiev, staged by Y. Grigorovich - Ivan the Terrible;
1976 - “Angara” by A. Eshpai, staged by Y. Grigorovich - Sergei - first performer;
1976 - “Icarus” by S. Slonimsky in his own production (second edition) - Icarus - first performer;
1979 - large adagio from the ballet “Romeo and Julia” by G. Berlioz, choreography and production by M. Bejart - Romeo is the first performer in the USSR;
1980 - “Macbeth” by K. Molchanov in his own production - Macbeth - first performer;
1986 - “Anyuta” to the music of V. Gavrilin after A. Chekhov in his own production - Pyotr Leontyevich - first performer;
1988 - concert number “Elegy” to the music of S. Rachmaninov - Soloist;
“The Golden Age” by D. Shostakovich, choreography by Yu. Grigorovich - Boris
Other theaters:
1977 - “Petrushka” by I. Stravinsky, choreography by M. Bejart - Youth (Twentieth Century Ballet Theater, Brussels);
1987 - “The Blue Angel” to music by M. Constant, choreography by R. Petit - Professor Unrath (Marseille Ballet, France);
1988 - “Zorba the Greek” to music by M. Theodorakis, choreography by Lorca Massine - Zorba (“Arena di Verona”, Italy);
1988 - “Parisian Fun” to the music of J. Offenbach, choreography by L. Massine - Baron (Teatro San Carlo, Naples, Italy);
1988 - “Pulcinella” to the music of I. Stravinsky, choreography by L. Massine - Pulcinella (Teatro San Carlo);
1989 - “Nijinsky”, directed by B. Menegatti - Nijinsky (San Carlo Theatre);
1994 - “Cinderella” by S. Prokofiev - choreographer and role of Cinderella’s stepmother ( Kremlin Ballet);
2000 - “The Long Journey into Christmas Night” to the music of P. Tchaikovsky and I. Stravinsky, director B. Menegatti - Maestro (Roman Opera);
2009 - “Diaghilev Musaget. Venice, August 1929" to composite music, directed by B. Menegatti - Diaghilev (Roman Opera on the stage of the Municipal Theater)
Productions by Vladimir Vasiliev:
1969 - “The Princess and the Woodcutter”, a fairy tale-comedy by G. Volchek and M. Mikaelyan (Sovremennik Theatre;
1971 - “Icarus”, ballet by S. Slonimsky (Bolshoi Theater, 1976 - second edition);
1977 - “Tahir and Zukhra”, opera-ballet by T. Jalilov (Bolshoi Theater named after Alisher Navoi, Tashkent);
1978 - “These enchanting sounds...”, ballet to music by A. Corelli, G. Torelli, V.-A. Mozart, J.-F. Ramo (Bolshoi Theater);
1980 - “Macbeth”, ballet by K. Molchanov (Bolshoi Theater; 1981 - Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater; 1984 - German State Opera, Berlin; 1986 - Budapest Opera, Hungary; 1990 - Kremlin Ballet Theater);
1981 - “Juno and Avos”, rock opera by A. Rybnikov, director M. Zakharov (Lenkom);
1981 - memorial evening “In honor of Galina Ulanova” / Hommage d’Oulanova (director and one of the performers, Pleyel concert hall, Paris);
1981 - “I want to dance” to the music of Russian composers (State Central Concert Hall “Russia”; 1990 - Bolshoi Theater);
1981 - “Fragments of a Biography” to the music of Argentine composers (Russia Concert Hall; 1990 - Bolshoi Theater);
1983 - choreographic composition to the music of P. Tchaikovsky (Ballet of the Champs-Elysees, Paris; 1990 - Bolshoi Theater);
1986 - “Anyuta”, ballet to the music of V. Gavrilin based on the story by A. Chekhov (Bolshoi Theater, San Carlo Theater, Riga Opera and Ballet Theater; 1987 - Chelyabinsk Opera and Ballet Theater named after M. I. Glinka; 1990 - Tatar Opera and Ballet Theater named after Musa Jalil, Kazan 1993 - Perm Theater opera and ballet named after P. I. Tchaikovsky; 2008 - Omsk musical theater; Voronezh Opera and Ballet Theater; 2009 - Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theater; 2011 - Samara Opera and Ballet Theater);
1988 - “Elegy”, concert number to the music of S. Rachmaninov (Bolshoi Theater);
1988 - “Paganini”, a new edition of L. Lavrovsky’s ballet to the music of S. Rachmaninov (San Carlo Theater; 1995 - Bolshoi Theater);
1989 - “The Tale of the Pope and his worker Balda”, musical and dramatic composition to the music of D. Shostakovich ( Concert hall them. P. I. Tchaikovsky, stage director and co-director Yu. Borisov; the first performer of the role of Balda);
1990 - “Romeo and Juliet”, ballet by S. Prokofiev (Moscow Musical Theater named after K. S. Stanislavsky and Vl. I. Nemirovich-Danchenko; 1993 - Lithuanian National Opera, Vilnius; 1999 - Latvian National Opera, Riga; 2002 - Municipal theater of Rio de Janeiro);
1991 - Don Quixote, ballet by L. Minkus (American Ballet Theatre; 1994 - Kremlin Ballet; 1995 - Lithuanian National Opera; 2001 - Tokyo Ballet, Japan; 2007 - National Theater, Belgrade);
1993 - “Aida” by G. Verdi, choreographic scenes in the opera (director F. Zeffirelli (Roman Opera; 2004 - Arena di Verona; 2006 - La Scala Theater);
1994 - “Cinderella”, ballet by S. Prokofiev (Kremlin Ballet, director and first performer of the role of Cinderella’s stepmother; 2002 - Chelyabinsk Opera and Ballet Theater; 2006 - Voronezh Opera and Ballet Theater);
1994 - “Giselle”, ballet by A. Adam, new choreographic version based on the choreography of J. Coralli, J. Perrot, M. Petipa (Roman Opera; 1997 - Bolshoi Theater);
1994 - “Nostalgia” to the music of Russian composers (Kremlin Ballet Theater, director and first performer of the main role);
1994 - “The Artist Reads the Bible”, musical and dramatic composition (Museum fine arts them. A. S. Pushkin);
1995 - “Oh, Mozart! Mozart...", requiem to the music of V.-A. Mozart, N. Rimsky-Korsakov, A. Salieri (New Opera, Moscow);
1995 - “Khovanshchina” by M. Mussorgsky, choreographic scenes in the opera (director B. Pokrovsky, Bolshoi Theater);
1996 - " Swan Lake", ballet by P. I. Tchaikovsky, choreographic edition using fragments of choreography by L. Ivanov (Bolshoi Theater);
1996 - “La Traviata” by G. Verdi (Bolshoi Theater);
1997 - choreographic composition to the music of the overture to M. Glinka’s opera “Ruslan and Lyudmila” (Bolshoi Theater);
1999 - “Balda”, ballet to the music of D. Shostakovich (Bolshoi Theater; 2006 - Opera and Ballet Theater of the St. Petersburg Conservatory);
2009 - “The Spell of the Escher Family”, ballet to the music of G. Getty (Bolshoi Theater, new stage);
2015 - “Give us peace”, ballet to the music of the Mass in B minor by J. S. Bach (Tatar Opera and Ballet Theater named after Musa Jalil)
Bibliography of Vladimir Vasiliev:
2001 - “Chain of Days” (collection of poems)
Vladimir Vasiliev was born on April 18, 1940 in Moscow. After graduating from the Moscow Choreographic School in 1958, Volodya was accepted into the ballet troupe of the Bolshoi Theater. Already during his studies, he amazed with his virtuoso performance technique and undoubted acting talent and ability to impersonate. He made his debut on the Bolshoi stage in the ballet “The Stone Flower” by Y. Grigorovich in 1959.
Soon Vasiliev, having won the love and recognition of audiences and critics, became one of the leading soloists of the ballet troupe of this theater for more than 30 years. He danced the main roles of the modern and classical repertoire in ballets: “Cinderella”, “Pages of Life”, “Don Quixote”, “Paganini”, “Giselle”, “Romeo and Juliet” and others. The choreographers not only offered Vasiliev the main roles, but also choreographed them especially for him. He was the first performer of the solo part in “Dance Suite”, in R. Shchedrin’s ballet “The Little Humpbacked Horse”, in “Spartacus” by A. Khachaturian, in “Forest Song” by G. Zhukovsky, in “Petrushka” by I. Stravinsky... Also Vasiliev He performed a lot and with great success abroad with such directors as R. Petit, M. Bejar, L. Myasin.
He created vivid, memorable images, often offering a new interpretation of them. In addition to Ekaterina Maksimova, Vasiliev’s constant partner and wife, whom he always called his Muse, the following danced with him: famous ballerinas, like G. Ulanova (she would become Vasiliev’s friend, teacher and tutor for many years), M. Plisetskaya, O. Lepeshinskaya, R. Struchkova, N. Bessmertnova, I. Kolpakova, A. Alonso, H. Mendes, L. Kozi , C. Fracci and others. Being in the prime of his performing skills, Vasiliev even then felt the need for a more complete realization of his creative potential- craving for choreography. His choreographer debut was the ballet “Icarus” in 1971. As a choreographer, Vasiliev also staged: “These enchanting sounds...”, “Macbeth”, “Fragments of a Biography”, “Anyuta”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Cinderella”, “Don Quixote”, “Giselle”, "Swan Lake" and others.
Vasiliev's productions were enthusiastically received by the public, especially those where he and Ekaterina Maksimova performed the central roles. Currently, ballets staged by him are performed not only on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater, but also in many other theaters in Russia and the world. Vasiliev’s creative interests extend to other areas of art - he acted as a dramatic actor in feature films, in original television ballets, where he acted not only as a performer, but also as a choreographer and stage director. Vasilyev’s teaching activities are also of great interest.
In 1982, he graduated from the choreography department of GITIS and from the same year began teaching there, was the head of the choreography department (1985-1995), and in 1989 he was awarded the academic title of professor.
In 1995-2000, Vasiliev was the Artistic Director of the Bolshoi Theater. Currently, Vladimir Viktorovich actively cooperates with many theaters in the country and the world, heads and participates in the work of the jury of various international competitions ballet dancers, gives master classes, prepares new performances and roles. Heading the G. Ulanova Foundation, Vasiliev stages and conducts annual gala concerts “Dedicated to Galina Ulanova.”
Vasiliev - People's Artist of the USSR, laureate of various Russian and international awards, awarded orders and medals. He is an honorary professor at Moscow State University, a full member of the International Academy of Creativity and the Academy of Russian Art, etc. Films and books are dedicated to Vasiliev’s work. Vladimir Viktorovich mainly devotes his free time to painting. The main theme of Vasiliev’s paintings is landscapes, in which he tries to convey the beauty of Russian nature (six personal exhibitions of his works were held). He also writes poetry; he is the author of the poetry collection “Chain of Days.”
Art is a difficult path. External harmony, sophistication and elegance of lines conceal the hard work of not even years, but entire decades. If you were involved in choreographing the dance great choreographer Vasiliev, then there is no doubt about the quality of the final result. He is a star whose reflections both young and famous artists strive to touch. A man of the era, a man of legend - choreographer Vladimir Vasiliev. His biography is filled with constant work, creativity and love for one and only woman.
On the eve of the war
Back in 1940, on April 18, a boy was born into a family of felt factory workers. My mother held a responsible position as a sales manager, and my father was a simple driver. The sincere love that united their hearts gave birth to a talented personality whom the whole world on both sides of the ocean never ceases to admire.
Complex, tragic events that began on June 22, 1941 separated the family. Vladimir Viktorovich’s father went to the front, and his mother worked at her native factory in 3 shifts, torn between one-year-old son and work. My mother’s six older sisters became my salvation—my aunts, for whom little boy was the point not to lose your mind in that terrible and difficult time. Warm, soulful evening gatherings over a cup of hot tea, leisurely conversations while preparing another pie and cheerful New Year celebrations remain the best memories of childhood.
Strengthening character
Vladimir Viktorovich Vasiliev, a future choreographer, survived the hungry years that the war brought. Destruction, ruins of houses, death and an irresistible thirst for life in an unformed personality left an imprint forever. The trials with which a person’s path is strewn purify his soul, and those that befall him during his childhood form him into an honest, noble and generous person for good deeds.
In 1945, the father returned from the front, and the family began to live in in full force. Some disagreements in life positions parents (mom attended church, and dad was an ideological communist) did not prevent the couple from being happy. While the adults were reviving the country from the ashes, the future choreographer Vasiliev played ball, deftly jumped on the roofs and was not inferior in courage and fearlessness to his older comrades, which earned him the respect of the entire court.
First steps to dance
Vladimir Vasiliev, a future choreographer, was surrounded by a huge amount friends. And so one of his many friends, and part-time neighbor, invited him to join a dance club located in the Kirov House of Pioneers. At first glance, the sensitive teacher Elena Romanovna Rosse discerned a love of dance in the blond tomboy. The eight-year-old choreographer was a natural. He reproduced new material the first time. They learned movements from his example and considered him the best student.
Getting on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater with a solo performance folk dances, he realized that his fate was finally sealed. Chiseled and flexible ballerinas, amazing jumps and lifts took over the boy’s thoughts. Natural determination and devotion to his dream allowed him to enter the Bolshoi Theater Ballet School in 1949, and a year later achieve championship among his classmates.
Master's handwriting
Vladimir Vasiliev, a student choreographer, formed his unique style early on. His teacher Mikhail Markovich Gabovich noted the inner fire of the young student, reflected in his every movement. Light virtuoso jumps, filigree lines, power that captivates from the first movements, that expression and unstoppable energy that fills the entire space of the stage on which the future great choreographer Vasiliev performed... Acting abilities and incredible charisma made it possible to convey to the viewer the whole gamut of his feelings and thoughts heroes.
Debut
In 1958, he was accepted into the Bolshoi Theater troupe, where he immediately established himself as a dancer of characteristic images. The future choreographer Vladimir Viktorovich Vasiliev began by performing bright, colorful characters in the operas “Rusalka” and “Demon”. The solo part in “Walpurgis Night” became for him It was in the role of Pan that he attracted attention, a meeting with which influenced the rest of his life.
The great ballerina became one of the most important chapters in the book of life called “Vasiliev - choreographer. Biography”, written by fate itself. Her teaching talent, friendship and faith in the professional future of the young man helped shape the personality of the great director, stage director and dancer. Collaboration in “Chopinian” became an invaluable experience and discovered Vladimir Viktorovich as an excellent performer of classical roles.
A meteoric rise
After joining the Bolshoi Theater Yu.N. Grigorovich, the young dancer took part in his production of “The Stone Flower”, which won the favor of not only the choreographer, but also the love of the most fastidious critic - the viewer. After such a triumph, Vladimir Viktorovich was cast in the leading roles of the entire diverse repertoire of the Bolshoi Theater: “Cinderella”, “Pages of Life”, “Don Quixote”, Paganini in the production of the same name, “Laurencia”, “Giselle”, “Romeo and Juliet”.
Darling of fate
He was not yet 25 years old when the solo part in the “Dance Suite” (staged by Ivanushka in R. K. Shchedrin’s ballet “The Little Humpbacked Horse” (staged by A. I. Radunsky, 1960)) and the Rab in “Spartacus” were performed on stage. A. I. Khachaturian (production by L. V. Yakobson), Lukash in “The Forest Song” by G. L. Zhukovsky (production by O. G. Tarasova and A. A. Lapauri) It’s not an easy task to prove that you are after another success. the best, and this is not the limit of your capabilities.
Perseverance, which helped in childhood not to give up in front of older guys, self-confidence, leading through the prairies like Ariadne’s thread behind the scenes life, and love for dance allowed me to prove my skills again and again. Accurate understanding musical material, the perfect mastery of every cell of the flexible body, the organic nature of the embodied image delighted and surprised not only the audience, but also the eminent masters of ballet art. Vladimir Vasiliev (choreographer) easily immersed himself in the kind, sincere Ivanushka, the passionate Basil, the cruel tyrant, mired in blood.
One for life
A beautiful first touching affection filled the heart of Vladimir Viktorovich during his years of study at the dance school. Ekaterina Maksimova was distinguished by her special adherence to principles, sometimes turning into stubbornness, which hindered her in subject training, but was decisive in mastering dance. The strength contained in such a fragile girl attracted and at the same time frightened Vladimir Vasiliev. But Maximova’s unexpected illness brought them closer, and the emerging feelings helped them overcome the terrible migraines that tormented the girl for a year.
Quarrels characteristic of this age separated the young people for three whole years. Each used this time for their professional growth, and both managed to be invited to work at the Bolshoi Theater without any support.
One love story
Vladimir Viktorovich Vasiliev is a choreographer whose personal life has always been connected with one woman. Three years apart - and fate gave them a meeting with mutual friends, after which the couple never parted. In the summer of 1961, the young people legalized their relationship, and their honeymoon took place in the most romantic city on the planet - Paris.
This is a unique case, because in the Soviet Union spouses were not allowed to go abroad together. A film was presented there in which, by a mystical coincidence, Maksimova and Vasiliev played lovers. “The USSR with an open heart” allowed the newlyweds to enjoy the heady air of France, even under the close supervision of officials.
Life's twists and turns
The great Vladimir Vasiliev is a choreographer whose family and work were closely intertwined in his life. My beloved woman, priceless Muse, wonderful partner was always there, understanding all the subtleties and aspects of such a complex art.
In 1971, the couple ended up in car accident. Suddenly, a moose ran out onto the highway, and a foreign car racing at high speed miraculously did not turn into a pressed tin can. Ekaterina Maksimova received serious health problems that appeared during a rehearsal, five years after the accident on the road. The injury turned out to be so serious that the ballerina could remain in a wheelchair. Vladimir Vasiliev was ready to move mountains, and he did, getting his wife treated in a Kremlin hospital, where she quickly recovered and was able to dance again.
Unfortunately, the family always consisted of two people, and children's laughter never visited their home. But talented teachers invested their hearts in their many students, for whom they became creative parents.
Worldwide recognition
Her amazing flexibility and acting talent were highly valued abroad, where the pearl of Russian ballet was always greeted with applause. Vladimir Vasiliev actively collaborated with many outstanding choreographers. Maurice Bejart, Roland Petit, Lorca Massine invited him to play the main roles in their productions. The public's love knew no bounds - the French idolized the Russian legend, the Argentines proclaimed him a national hero, and in the USA, despite the difficult political situation, Vasiliev became an honorary citizen of one of the cities. A special relationship has developed with hospitable Italy. The Roman Opera, La Scala, and San Carlo more than once hosted the choreographer on their stages, where the audience enjoyed his virtuoso performance and perfect plasticity.
Creative search
The ebullient energy did not fit within the framework of a performer, even such a genius. First own work choreographer Vasiliev staged it in 1971, it was the ballet “Icarus”. Storylines, the genre was not of interest to the creator; he was attracted by the development of the image through music, the versatility conveyed by dance. The master embodied his worldview in “Fragments of a Biography,” “Nostalgia,” “Swan Lake” and many other works.
The acting talent is captured in such films as “Fouette”, “Gigalo and Gigoletta”. Vasiliev did a tremendous amount of work as a director and stage director in “Anyuta”, “House by the Road”, “The Gospel for the Evil One”, “The Princess and the Woodcutter”, “Juno and Avos”. The diversity of the works is once again revealed by the multifaceted choreographer Vasiliev, who opens up to his beloved audience without looking back.
Having graduated from GITIS in 1982, he begins teaching activities as a choreographer, and a few years later he became a professor and head of the department of choreography. In the mid-90s, he was appointed to the position of artistic director of his native Bolshoi Theater. In this crisis period for art, V.V. Vasiliev manages not only to save, but also to revive the temple of Melpomene, attracting the attention of the viewer through television, the Internet, printed publications. By holding charity events and concerts, the great choreographer increased the former glory of the Bolshoi Theater.
Since the beginning of the new century People's Artist, winner of many awards, actively works all over the world, giving master classes, staging performances, and participating in charity concerts. A passion for literature results in a whole collection of poems on paper. Inspired by painting, Viktor Vladimirovich paints his native landscapes, which are successfully exhibited.
He passed away in 2009 main man for the famous choreographer - Ekaterina Maksimova, who for half a century shared successes and downfalls, all the joys and sorrows, was his inspiration and like-minded person. For the strong, energetic Vasiliev, surrounded by the love of friends and students, this is an irreparable loss, but the strength of the spirit of such a perfect divine work makes him wake up every day and create new masterpieces that make people feel and realize the harmony of the world around them.
Victor Vasiliev is a choreographer whose photos are always heartfelt. The look of beautiful, wise eyes hides a whole universe of emotions with which he is so talented great man shares with your favorite viewer.
Vladimir Vasiliev is an outstanding dancer who has amazed more than one generation of spectators with his artistry and technical performance. In addition, Vladimir Viktorovich is a member Russian Academy Arts and the International Creative Academy. However, few people know that the creative heritage of the ballet genius is not limited to dancing.
Childhood and youth
Vladimir Vasiliev was born in Moscow on April 18, 1940. Father future star, Viktor Ivanovich, worked as a driver. Mother, Tatyana Yakovlevna, worked as the head of the sales department at a felt factory.
At the age of seven, the boy accidentally got into classes dance club at the House of Pioneers. Choreographer Elena Rosse, who worked with children, immediately drew attention to little Volodya’s talent and invited the boy to study. So, a year later, Vladimir Vasiliev first appeared on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater with Ukrainian and Russian dances.
Ballet
The creative biography of Vladimir Vasiliev continued within the walls of the Moscow Choreographic School (now an academy). The teachers noted not only Vladimir’s undoubted talent, but also his acting abilities: the young man, in addition to perfect technical performance, put emotions and expression into the dance, easily transforming into the characters of the productions like a real artist.
Vladimir Vasiliev in his youth In 1958, Vasiliev, having completed his studies, began serving at the Bolshoi Theater, becoming an official member of the ballet troupe. At first, Vladimir Viktorovich was given characteristic roles: in “Rusalka” the dancer performed a gypsy dance, in “Demon” - a Lezginka. But soon the inimitable Galina Ulanova drew attention to the novice dancer, offering Vasiliev a part in the classical ballet performance"Chopiniana". It was not just a game, but a duet with herself. After this, Galina Sergeevna will remain Vladimir Vasiliev’s friend and mentor.
Yuri Grigorovich, the theater choreographer, also drew attention to Vasiliev. Vladimir Vasiliev seemed to Grigorovich to be a very promising dancer. Soon Vasiliev received main party in the ballet "Stone Flower". This production gave the dancer his first fans and admirers who were no strangers to art. Following this, Vladimir Viktorovich performed the main roles in “Cinderella” (here the dancer got the part of the prince), “Don Quixote” (Bazille), “Giselle” (as Albert) and “Romeo and Juliet” (here Vladimir Viktorovich played the role of young Romeo) .
Vladimir Vasiliev devoted 30 long years to the Bolshoi stage. From 1958 to 1988, the dancer was listed as the theater's leading ballet soloist. Ballerina Ekaterina Maksimova, part-time wife of Vladimir Vasiliev, became the talented ballerina’s permanent partner.
Perhaps the main recognition of Vasiliev’s talent was the fact that the dancer was not only invited to the main roles in ready-made productions, but they were also written especially for him. Thus, the dancer became the first to perform Ivanushka in The Little Humpbacked Horse, Sergei in Hangar, and Spartacus in Spartak. In 1977, the outstanding choreographer Maurice Bejart choreographed the role of the Young Man in Petrushka especially for Vladimir Viktorovich.
Vasiliev’s dance successes were seen not only by the walls of his native Bolshoi Theater. The dancer toured the Paris Grand Opera, the Italian La Scala Theatre, the New York Metropolitan Opera, and London's Covent Garden.
In 1988, Vladimir Vasiliev and his permanent partner and wife Ekaterina Maksimova left the Bolshoi. The reason was a creative dispute with Yuri Grigorovich. Vladimir Viktorovich continued his creative career as artistic director of the State Academic Bolshoi Theater; this position will remain with the dancer until 2000.
Vladimir Vasiliev also showed talent as a choreographer. In 1971, the dancer staged his own dance performance for the first time. It was the ballet “Icarus”, presented within the walls of the Kremlin Palace of Congresses. A few years later, the production “These Enchanting Sounds” will appear, in 1980 Vasiliev will present “Macbeth”, and in 1984 - “Road House”.
Foreign countries will also be lucky enough to meet Vasilyev the director. On the Argentine stage, Vladimir Viktorovich presented the ballet “Fragments of a Biography” to the audience, and the United States admired the talented interpretation of “Don Quixote.”
In the 1990s, Vasiliev worked on the productions “Tahir and Zukhra”, “Oh, Mozart! Mozart...", "La Traviata", "Khovanshchina", "Aida", "Cinderella". After a short break, in 2010, Vasiliev presented the ballet “Red Poppy” in Krasnoyarsk. 2011 was marked by the production of the ballet “Balda” for children.
In 2014, Vasiliev had the honor of personally performing in the ballet “Natasha Rostova’s First Ball.” This mini-production was prepared specifically for the concert dedicated to the opening of the Sochi Olympic Games. Vladimir Viktorovich got the part of Ilya Andreevich Rostov. In the same year, Vasiliev presented a project based on the works to the audience. The production consisted of six dance miniatures.
In 2015, in honor of the dancer’s 75th anniversary, the premiere of the ballet performance “Donna nobis pasem” to music took place. The hero of the day acted as a ballet director, and the parts were performed by dancers of the Tatar Academic Theater named after Musa Jalil.
Theater and cinema
Vladimir Vasiliev’s talents were also in demand in theater and cinema. Dramatic scene I saw the fairy tale “The Princess and the Woodcutter” and the rock opera “Juno and Avos” - for these performances Vladimir Viktorovich became a choreographer, and photographs of dancers in the images of Conchita and Nikolai Rezanov were kept, perhaps, in the collection of every art fan.
Vasiliev tried his strength and acting, appearing in the films “Gigolo and Gigolette”, “Fouette”, as well as television versions of the ballets “Spartacus”, “Grand Pas on a White Night”, “The Tale of the Little Humpbacked Horse” and others. Here Vladimir Viktorovich also not only danced himself, but also took upon himself the choreography of parts for other artists.
Personal life
The personal life of Vladimir Vasiliev is an example of strong love that lasted a lifetime. The talented dancer became the chosen one, who also could not imagine life without dance. Ekaterina Sergeevna became Vasiliev’s lover, friend and permanent partner on stage. The creative couple had no children.
In 2009, Maksimova died. Vladimir Viktorovich, by his own admission, lost part of his soul and still grieves for his wife. The dancer and choreographer continues to devote productions, performances and exhibitions to Ekaterina Sergeevna.
Vladimir Vasiliev now
Now Vladimir Vasiliev continues creative activity. The dancer no longer appears on stage due to his advanced age, but with youthful enthusiasm he takes on new productions, teaching talented replacements. IN free time the dancer loves to travel, discovering new countries and cultures. Fans can only hope for the imminent appearance of new productions of the great dancer.
In addition to ballet, Vladimir Viktorovich is interested in painting. The dancer draws well and even organizes his own exhibitions. Vasiliev already has at least 400 paintings to his name. Vasiliev is no stranger to the world of poetry: in 2001, the dancer gave the world a collection of poems called “Chain of Days.”
Parties
- 1958 - “Demon”
- 1958 - “Chopiniana”
- 1959 - “Stone Flower”
- 1959 - “Cinderella”
- 1960 - “Narcissus”
- 1961 - “Forest Song”
- 1962 - “Paganini”
- 1964 - “Parsley”
- 1966 - “The Nutcracker”
- 1968 - “Spartak”
- 1971 - “Icarus”
- 1973 - “Romeo and Juliet”
- 1976 - “Angara”
- 1987 - “Blue Angel”
- 1988 - “Pulcinella”