My life in Russia: Xander Parish, principal ballet dancer of the Mariinsky Theater (VIDEO)

Culture
YULIA SHAMPOROVA
Meet Xander Parish, the principal dancer of the famous Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. He became the first Brit to join the company eight years ago and has forged a brilliant career in one of the best ballet companies in the world.

Xander guides us through the backstage of the historical Mariinsky Theater and it's new stage, as well as through his everyday life as a ballet dancer. We discover the hidden corners of one of the best Russian theaters, meet Xander's colleagues, friends, and his guru, Director of the Mariinsky Ballet Yury Fateev, who played a vital role in his decision to move to Russia. We accompany Xander in his preparations for two ballets in Mariinsky, “Paquita” and “La Corsaire”, from make-up, costume and warm-up on the stage before the performance till the end of the show.

Our hero explains which character traits have helped him to succeed in Russia and shows us his favorite spots in beautiful St. Petersburg: St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.

Xander shares his experience of living in Russia and shows how much work and dedication one needs in order to be successful in the ballet world.

Author and director of the film is Yulia Shamporova.