Born: 1799
Died: 1848 (St. Petersburg)
Biography:
Evdokia or (informally) Avdotia Ilyinichna Istomina (Russian: Авдотья Ильинична Истомина; 17991848) was the most celebrated Russian Empire ballerina of the 19th century. She was orphaned at a young age, but was accepted into the Imperial Theater School, where children could live in complete security. Under the tutelage of Charles Didelot, she debuted in the Imperial Russian Ballet in 1815 to immediate acclaim.
Avdotia Istomina’s talent and beauty captivated audiences, and she quickly became the prima ballerina of her time. Her performances were highly revered, and several people were even killed duelling for her heart. In 1817, Count Zavadovsky killed Count Sheremetev in a duel to defend her honor. Additionally, the Decembrist Yakubovich shot through a palm of the playwright Alexander Griboedov in another duel. These events demonstrate the immense impact she had on those around her.
Known for her extraordinary technique and grace, Avdotia Istomina danced nearly all of the principal roles in ballets choreographed by Charles Didelot. She was particularly famous for her portrayal of characters like Odette/Odile in Swan Lake and Giselle in the ballet of the same name. Her talent was so exceptional that she became the first Russian dancer to perform en pointe, further pushing the boundaries of ballet expression.
Despite her immense success on stage, Avdotia Istomina faced personal struggles in her life. She married a young actor, but tragically, he passed away shortly after their marriage. Later in life, she remarried the dramatic actor Pavel Ekunin. However, her income was significantly reduced, as she was no longer performing leading roles. This financial hardship took a toll on her.
In the 1835/1836 season, while still serving in the Imperial Ballet, Avdotia Istomina suffered an injury during a performance. As a result, she was asked to leave for treatment. Emperor Nicholas I of Russia noticed this and issued an order for her dismissal. On 30 January 1836, Avdotia Istomina made her final appearance on stage and performed a small Russian dance. Tragically, she died of cholera on 26 June 26 (8 July) in 1848 in St. Petersburg.
Avdotia Istomina’s legacy, unfortunately, faded over time, and she was no longer remembered as a famous ballerina. Nevertheless, her contributions to the art of ballet and her impact on the Russian Empire’s cultural scene remain significant. Her dancing was even immortalized in Eugene Onegin, with Vladimir Nabokov describing the verses dedicated to her as the most mellifluous lines in the entirety of Russian poetry.
Avdotia Istomina’s journey as a ballerina serves as a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, she left an indelible mark on the world of ballet and continues to inspire generations of dancers.