Born: 1910 (Saint Petersburg, Russia)
Died: 1998 (Moscow, Russia)
Biography:
Galina Sergeyevna Ulanova was a renowned Russian ballet dancer born on January 8, 1910, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Raised in a family of dancers, both her parents were soloists at the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre and had performed alongside the legendary Anna Pavlova. Ulanova’s early exposure to ballet shaped her destiny, leaving her with no option but to follow in her parents’ footsteps.
Despite dreaming of a different career, like becoming a sailor, Ulanova’s parents enrolled her in ballet school at a very young age. There, she studied under the guidance of Agrippina Vaganova, an esteemed ballet instructor, and her own mother. From the moment Ulanova joined the Mariinsky Theatre in 1928, her talent was immediately recognized. The press noted her similarities to Agrippina Vaganova and lauded her graceful style, exceptional plasticity, and captivating modesty in her movements.
As Ulanova’s fame grew, she caught the attention of acclaimed theater director Konstantin Stanislavsky, who was mesmerized by her expressive acting skills. He persuaded her to participate in his stage productions, further solidifying Ulanova’s reputation as both a remarkable dancer and actress. In 1944, Joseph Stalin himself took notice of her talent and had her transferred to the Bolshoi Theatre, where she held the title of prima ballerina assoluta for an astonishing 16 years.
During her time at the Bolshoi Theatre, Ulanova graced the stage in numerous iconic roles. In 1945, she danced the lead role in the world premiere of Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Cinderella. Her performance was hailed as exceptional, cementing her status as one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century. Despite being skilled in both technique and artistry, Ulanova always remained humble and dedicated to her craft.
Ulanova’s international fame grew even greater when she was permitted to tour abroad at the age of 46. Her 1956 visit to London was met with resounding acclaim, and British newspapers declared that her triumph was unparalleled since the days of Anna Pavlova. Ulanova’s impact on the world of ballet extended beyond her own performances. Following her retirement from the stage at the age of 50, she shared her expertise with future generations of Russian dancers through coaching and teaching.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the arts, Ulanova received several prestigious awards and honors. She was one of the few dancers to be bestowed with the title of Hero of Socialist Labour, receiving this honor twice. Additionally, Ulanova was awarded the highest exclusively artistic national title in the USSR, the People’s Artist of the USSR. Her exceptional talent was acknowledged with the Stalin Prize in 1941, 1946, 1947, 1950, and the Lenin Prize in 1957.
Galina Ulanova passed away on March 21, 1998, in Moscow at the age of 88. She was laid to rest in the cemetery of the Novodevichy Convent, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire dancers around the globe. Today, her former residence in Moscow’s Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building has been preserved as a memorial museum, honoring her immense contribution to the world of ballet. Monuments in her likeness have been erected in both Saint Petersburg and Stockholm, and her image graced a Russian postage stamp in 2000.
Awards:
– Hero of Socialist Labour (twice)
– People’s Artist of the USSR
– Stalin Prize (1941, 1946, 1947, 1950)
– Lenin Prize (1957)
– Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1960)