In this inspiring podcast, we share the remarkable story of strength and resilience of Ukrainian principal dancer Anna Muromtseva, who faced the most devastating and unimaginable experience of fleeing her home following the Russian invasion and restarting her life and dance career with the Hungarian National Ballet.

Listen to Anna’s heartfelt interview as she looks back to growing up in Ukraine and rising through the ranks from corps de ballet to soloist and principal dancer. She gives an insight into the demanding yet fulfilling dance life with the National Ballet of Ukraine, their repertoire and the rigorous performance and rehearsal schedules.

Anna’s deeply personal story takes a dramatic turn with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which forced her to flee her homeland along with her family. Leaving behind all her dancewear and pointe shoes, Anna faced the daunting task of finding a new company which led to auditioning for the Hungarian National Ballet alongside other displaced Ukrainian dancers. And although Anna successfully secured a contract, the only available position available was in the corps de ballet.

Anna talks intimately about the physical and emotional challenges of transitioning from a principal dancer in Kyiv to the corps in Budapest. Fortunately, the company’s artistic director, Tamas Solymosi, provides opportunities for dancers of all ranks to perform a variety of roles. This has seen Anna return to dancing principal roles, such as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake and helped her rediscover the love of dance in the midst of so much devastation.

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Follow Anna Muromtseva on Instagram: @g.anna.muromtseva

Listen to the podcast interview on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and more. You can watch our interview on our YouTube.

In this podcast, Principal Dancer Isaac Hernández shares his unique story of growing up in Mexico as one of 11 kids, being taught to dance by his father and dancing with ABT II, San Francisco Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, his move to English National Ballet, and the decision to return to San Francisco Ballet.

Isaac also shares his passion for inspiring the next generation of dancers in Mexico, where he has established projects that provide opportunities for future dance stars.

Listen to Isaac talk about his experience of guesting around the world, and working with renowned choreographers, including Christopher Wheeldon as he reprises the role of Prince Guillaume in Wheeldon’s dazzling Cinderella.

Don’t miss the chance to see Isaac perform in Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella running until 8 April 2023.

Get your tickets for Romeo & Juliet, from 21-30 April.

For more information visit: San Francisco Ballet

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Cathy Marston, internationally renowned, award winning British Choreographer and Artistic Director has created critically acclaimed works for The Royal Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Northern Ballet, English National Ballet, Cuban National Ballet, Ballet Black and more.

In this insightful podcast, Cathy shares her journey from dancer to choreographer, her inspiration for creating narrative ballets, her choreographic process and how she works with the dancers in the studio. We also discuss the importance of women choreographers and diverse voices in the dance industry.

This month sees the world premiere of Cathy’s interpretation of Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke with Houston Ballet, America’s fourth largest ballet company. Listen to Cathy describe this tragic tale of love and betrayal, how she developed the characters’ movement motifs and the inventive staging that it set to impress audiences.

​​The world premiere of Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke runs to 19 March 2023. For more information and tickets visit: Houston Ballet