Alisa Khazanova

Alisa Khazanova

Actress
Date of Birth: 13.02.1974
Country: Russia

Content:
  1. Childhood and Early Life
  2. Ballet Career
  3. Transition to Other Artistic Pursuits
  4. Theater Success
  5. Film and Television
  6. Directorial Debut and Continued Acting
  7. Personal Life
  8. Present and Future Projects

Childhood and Early Life

Born in Moscow, Russia, on February 1974, Alisa Gennadyevna Khazanova is the daughter of renowned comedian Gennady Khazanov. Her mother, Zlata Elbaum, was an art historian who later pursued business ventures. Alisa's upbringing immersed her in the arts, fostering a deep passion for classical ballet from a young age.

Ballet Career

At the age of five, Alisa's dream of becoming a prima ballerina took flight. She attended the prestigious Moscow Choreographic Academy after completing her secondary education with honors. Subsequently, she enrolled in the Moscow Academy of Choreography, which paved the way for her to perform on the grandest of stages.

Under the tutelage of renowned dance schools, including the "School of Modern Dance of Nikolai Oгрызkov," Alisa became a versatile dancer. Her pursuit of modern choreography led her to the Martha Graham School at the Juilliard School in New York City.

Upon her return to Russia, she joined the Bolshoi Ballet, sharing the stage with legendary dancers such as Nikolai Tsiskaridze, Konstantin Ivanov, and Dmitry Belogolovtsev. Her repertoire included lead roles in iconic productions like "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker."

Despite opportunities to remain in the United States, Alisa chose to return to the Bolshoi Ballet. However, her dancing career was cut short when a knee injury sustained while skiing left her unable to perform.

Transition to Other Artistic Pursuits

The end of her ballet career did not mark the end of Alisa's artistic endeavors. She became a dance teacher at the Oгрызkov studio and ventured into choreography, creating productions such as "Birds" and "Goodbye, Marlene, Hello!" for the Estrada Theater.

Seeking to expand her horizons, Alisa enrolled in acting classes at the Cours Florent in Paris in 1999. She made her theatrical debut with "Waves," a production that premiered at Moscow's "Polytheatre."

Theater Success

Alisa's theatrical career flourished with her portrayal of Agata in the acclaimed play "Agatha Returns Home" at the "Praktika" theater. She received critical acclaim for her solo performance based on the works of Yegor Letov, showcasing her acting and vocal abilities.

Her theatrical repertoire expanded further with "The Girl and Death," a poignant reflection on the life of actress Valentina Karavayeva, which premiered in London.

Film and Television

Alisa's debut on-screen came with her appearance in Nikolai Khomerik's short film "A Deux" in 2005, which won the prestigious Cinefondation Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Her film career continued with roles in "977," a Russian sci-fi film, and the Russian-Argentinean TV series "In the Rhythm of Tango," starring Natalie Oreiro.

Alisa's breakthrough came with her portrayal of Angelin in Khomerik's drama "A Fairy Tale of Darkness," which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Her performance as a young woman grappling with loneliness resonated deeply with audiences.

She collaborated with Valeria Gai Germanika in the series "A Brief Course in a Happy Life," where she played the relatable character of Lyuba. Alisa's experiences as a mother enhanced her portrayal of Lyuba's struggles with infertility.

Other notable film credits include "Find a Husband in a Big City," "Tomorrow," and the international thriller "The Woman in Black."

Directorial Debut and Continued Acting

In 2017, Alisa made her directorial debut with the melodrama "Shards," which she also starred in. The film was shot in New York City and premiered in English.

Continuing her acting career, Alisa took on the role of Agnya Antonova in the comedy series "The Last Minister," opposite Yan Tsapnik, Olga Sutulova, and Sofya Lebedeva.

Personal Life

Alisa's first marriage, at the age of 19, ended after a few months. While performing at the Bolshoi Ballet, she had a relationship with Alexander Fadeev, who later adopted the stage name "Danko."

In 1999, Alisa met David Bauman, a Swiss financier, and married him shortly after. Their marriage lasted for several years, during which they welcomed two daughters, Mina and Eva. However, the couple eventually separated.

In 2014, Alisa met Dmitry Shokhin, the son of former Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Shokhin. They married in May 2015 and held a second ceremony in Moscow in August.

Present and Future Projects

Alisa Khazanova remains an active force in the entertainment industry. She continues to develop her skills as a director, with the upcoming release of her latest work, "The White List," where she also serves as screenwriter and producer.

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