Svetlana Avvakum, the hidden face of Russian Ballet
When referring to the Russian ballet, many incredible photographs come to mind. Among them, I have no doubt that you saw the ones of Svetlana Avvakum.
Svetlana is a Russian-born photographer who has photographed the biggest stars of today's Russian ballet, and not only...
I am fortunate to share with you not only her work but an introspection into her world, as she was kind enough to answer a few of my questions.
Our Meeting
I don't know where to start, so naturally, in chronological order.
I met Svetlana Avvakum for the first time at a summer ballet course called "Ibstage" in Barcelona, the same summer as my trip to Russia to study at the Vaganova School. We met again very quickly in November, but this time in Saint Petersburg at the Yulia Makhalina Gala concert in the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic, where I had the honor as a student to participate.
I knew Yulia Makhalina only by her reputation, and I would never have believed that one day I would have the honor of being her student at the Mariinsky Theater.
It is with great gratitude that I thank life for these meetings that, with time, reveal a broader vision of destiny.
So Svetlana has seen my first steps, and recently, once again, she attended and photographed my rehearsals at The Mariinsky Theater, as well as my debut in the role of Odette-Odile in Swan Lake at The Hermitage Theater.
Today I want to share with you not only these various photos from classes, rehearsals and performances but also share this vision of the art of such a photographer.
Svetlana Avvakum, in a few words.
“I have been doing Ballet photography for about 10 years. I came to the world of dance by dancing at the age of 7. It was first in a children's group.
Then I found myself in the first modern dance troupe in Russia : the troupe of Sasha Kukina (Саши Кукина). Not long ago, the city held an anniversary evening in honor of this company, which successfully developed the principles of free dance.
At the same time, I studied at the Conservatory in the Ballet Studies department. This was the first set in this specialization. I wrote interviews and could not find photographs that would illustrate the text as I see it. So I started photographing, and it absorbed me.
Then, by chance, the person who started creating social networks for the Mariinsky Theater saw my work and invited me to collaborate.
Observing, reflecting on life, on stage and in the rehearsal hall, and letting it pass through yourself, is incomparable to anything.”
Her creative expression.
“The inspiration of artists and choreographers themselves inspires me.
If they themselves live dance. Otherwise, neither they nor the audience need it.
This inspiration is reflected most of all in the eyes of those conveying emotions, that's why I love close-ups so much.
And in the movements of the hands, which are a continuation and expression of the soul.
The search for emotionality and individuality is the main thing for me.”
“I believe that photography is a creative, intuitive process, that's why I try to dissolve in everyone in the search for the living and the real.
I try to ensure that the artist, I photograph, remains true to his unique individuality and is not only an element of a beautiful picture.
Through my photography, I want to share the birth of a miracle - without which there is no real art.”
