Natalya Osipova Ballerina Date of Birth: 18.05.1986 Country: Russia

1. Natalia Osipova - Biography
2. Early Years and Training
3. Career Highlights
4. Current Role

Natalia Osipova - Biography

Natalia Osipova is a Russian ballet artist and the principal dancer of the Royal Ballet in London. She previously held the position of principal dancer at the Bolshoi Theatre from 2010 to 2011 and the Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Early Years and Training

Osipova began her dance journey at the age of five as a competitive gymnast. However, due to an injury in 1993, she had to stop her gymnastics training. Her coaches recommended that she pursue ballet instead. She enrolled in the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, studying under the guidance of rector Marina Leonova. Osipova graduated in 2004 and joined the ballet company of the Bolshoi Theatre.

Career Highlights

Osipova quickly rose through the ranks of the Bolshoi Theatre, becoming a leading soloist in 2008 and a principal dancer in 2010. She honed her skills under the guidance of renowned ballet artist Marina Kondratieva. In 2007, during the Bolshoi Theatre's tour in London, Osipova received acclaim from the British audience and was awarded the Critics' Circle National Dance Award for Best Classical Ballet Dancer.

In 2009, at the recommendation of Nina Ananiashvili, Osipova became a guest ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre in New York. She performed leading roles in ballets such as "Giselle" and "La Sylphide" at the Metropolitan Opera. In 2010, she returned to the Metropolitan Opera to dance as Kitri in "Don Quixote," Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet," and Aurora in "The Sleeping Beauty."

Osipova's international career continued to flourish, and she made her debuts at the Grand Opera in Paris and La Scala in Milan in 2010. She also performed at the Royal Opera House in London, dancing the role of Medora in "Le Corsaire." In 2011, she collaborated with the Bavarian State Ballet, portraying the character of Katherina in "The Taming of the Shrew," choreographed by John Cranko.

Since December 2011, Osipova has been a principal dancer at the Mikhailovsky Theatre. In December 2012, she became an invited soloist at the Royal Ballet in London, where she has continued to perform. In recognition of her talent and contribution to the ballet world, Osipova was the only guest ballerina invited to perform at the gala concert celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Current Role

In April 2013, Natalia Osipova signed a permanent contract with the Royal Ballet, solidifying her position as a principal dancer. As of January 2021, she remains a principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, captivating audiences with her exceptional talent and artistry.