Biography
Diana Vishneva is a Russian ballet dancer, who in the mid-90s became a prima ballerina of the legendary Mariinsky Theater, and 10 years later also of the American Ballet Theater. She is the owner of a large number of the most prestigious awards: “Golden Spotlight”, “Benois of Dance”, “Golden Mask”.
The biography of Diana Vishneva begins in the Northern capital. She was born and raised in an intelligent family. Both father Viktor Gennadievich and mother Guzali Fagimovna worked as chemical engineers. Mom also had a second higher education – in economics. By the way, this was very rare for those times. The family raised another daughter, Oksana, who is five years older than her sister. Diana grew up in an atmosphere of kindness, love and mutual respect. In early childhood, she developed diversified: she tried various sports, went to a math club and to a children's dance studio at the Palace of Pioneers.
When Vishneva was 10 years old, Guzali Fagimovna, a passionate ballet lover, took her daughter to see her at the oldest choreographic school in the country - named after A. Ya. Vaganova. Today this educational institution is known throughout the world as the Academy of Russian Ballet. But the girl did not pass the exam, because selection for the Vagankov School has always been incredibly difficult; at that time the competition was 90 people per place. Then Diana continued to study dancing in the children's choreographic studio of the Maxim Gorky Palace of Culture, and the next year she repeated her attempt to pass the exam. This time it was successful.
As Vishneva admits today, back in 1987 she did not yet have a clear desire to be a ballerina. But the school’s teachers infected the teenager with enthusiasm and instilled in him a love of art. She was also encouraged by the fact that she quickly became the leader of the class; teachers celebrated the girl’s successes and results. It was within the walls of the Academy that Diana realized: either you think about the quality of your performance and become an excellent ballet dancer, or about fees, but then you have nothing to do on stage.
Diana Vishneva at the Academy of Russian Ballet
Even during her student period, Diana Vishneva’s concert as part of the international competition for students of ballet schools “Prix of Lausanne” created a sensation. In the finals, she performed a variation from the ballet “Coppelia” and the number “Carmen,” which was staged especially for the competition by Igor Belsky. The girl was awarded a gold medal in this competition. And a year later she became a graduate of the Academy of Russian Ballet and immediately joined the troupe of the Mariinsky Theater.
Diana today
At the moment, Diana Vishneva is a ballerina who is recognized as one of the greatest in the whole world. Critics unanimously call the girl multifaceted, believing that she skillfully controls her face and talentedly conveys all emotions. The dancer's body is compared to the famous Stradivarius violin, just as thin, flexible and perfect.
Vishneva succeeds in every role brilliantly. She always gives her all, trying to show the viewer the whole essence of her heroine. That is why she is appreciated and loved for her talent, for her love of art, for her dedication to work, for her versatility and willingness to devote herself completely to the role.
Ballet
In fact, the ballerina appeared on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater while still a student. As a trainee, she performed the role of Kitri in the ballet Don Quixote. Later, the girl’s repertoire included the performances “Symphony in C Major,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “La Bayadère,” and “Rubies.” And Diana dedicated her performance in the title role in the ballet “Romeo and Juliet” to the great Soviet ballerina Galina Ulanova.
Diana Vishneva in the ballet "Carmen"
Later, Vishneva began not only touring with the troupe, but also accepting invitations from other theaters. Back in 1996, the girl appeared on the stage of the Moscow Bolshoi Theater, and then took the first step towards the title of “Man of the World”: she danced at the Italian La Scala theater and the German National Theater of Munich, at the legendary Paris Opera and at the Metropolitan Opera. in New York, at the Berlin State Ballet and at the theater of the Finnish city of Mikkeli.
It is noteworthy that many of the foreign productions were edited by Rudolf Nureyev. And if at the Mariinsky Theater Diana had a clear role, then in other halls she could afford greater variety in the roles. For example, at the American Ballet Theater, where in 2005 she became an official guest soloist, Vishneva danced the main roles in the ballets “Swan Lake” and “Raymonda,” which she had long dreamed of. For her contribution to the development of Russian and world art, the ballerina was awarded the title of People's Artist of Russia in 2007.
Diana Vishneva in the ballet “Swan Lake”
In addition to actually dancing in other people's productions, she creates personal projects. Vishneva’s first personal work was a performance in the style of modern ballet “Silenzio”. Then the solo programs “Beauty in Motion”, “Dialogues”, “On the Edge” were released. It is noteworthy that Vishneva became the first Russian ballerina after Maya Plisetskaya, who performed the main role in the ballet Bolero. This happened on the stage of the Swiss theater in Lausanne together with the troupe of Maurice Bejart.
The Diana Vishneva festival, called “Context,” was also founded. This international festival of contemporary choreography was first held in 2013, and the ballerina herself took part in it as a dancer, performing the choreography of Jiri Kylian in the production of “Clouds” to the music of composer Claude Debussy. “Context” is a big event for Russian ballet fans.
Diana Vishneva in the play "Bolero" by Maurice Bejart
The ballerina also tries herself in other areas of activity. As a public figure, she helps aspiring dancers through her personally created Foundation for the Promotion of Ballet Art. Thanks to the fact that Vishneva became the face of the Tatyana Parfenova fashion house in 2007, she learned the profession of a model. In addition, Diana tried herself as a film actress, starring in the musical film “Meek” and, together with Renata Litvinova, playing the main roles in Rustam Khamdamov’s short drama “Diamonds. Theft". She was also involved in the French television documentary “Ballerinas”.
In 2012, Diana became the chairman of the jury of the Bolshoi Ballet project on the Russia-Culture channel.
Diana Vishneva in the film “Diamonds”
Diana Vishneva took part in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014. Then the ballerina performed the “dance of the dove of peace.” And in November of the same year she made her debut in John Neumeier’s ballet “Tatyana”.
In addition, the prima appeared on the covers of fashion glossies. In 2015, she showcased Louis Vuitton's spring/summer collection on the cover of Harper's Bazaar magazine.
Photo shoot by Diana Vishneva for Harper's Bazaar magazine
In April 2020, Diana held an evening with Lyudmila Kovaleva called “Dedication to a Teacher” in her theater. The artist herself participated in this event along with other students.
Life after the academy
In 1997, the dancer returned to Lausanne. This time she was a guest star, performing a part from the ballet “Corsair” together with her partner Carlos Acosta. In her native St. Petersburg, she also had several roles. Diana regularly participated in productions of “Symphony in C,” “La Bayadère” and “Sleeping Beauty.” The girl also brilliantly coped with the leading role in the play “Romeo and Juliet.” She dedicated her dance to the famous Soviet ballerina Galina Ulanova.
Since 1996, Vishneva periodically performs in other theaters, where directors invite her. In 1996, she appeared on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, shortly after which the girl danced in the Italian La Scala hall. Then the girl was invited to perform at the German National Theater, the Paris Opera and the New York Metropolitan Opera. She made her mark both in the Berlin State Ballet and on the stage of a small Finnish theater. The ballerina liked to dance in foreign halls, where she had more freedom. It was in the USA that she was able to fulfill her long-time dream - to play the main roles in the ballets “Raymonda” and “Swan Lake”.
By the 215th season of the Mariinsky Theater, everyone recognized Diana as the main star of the troupe. She was instantly remembered by the audience thanks to her incredible charisma and undoubted talent. The girl can be classified as a new generation of ballerinas who combine dancing and acting. All productions with her participation became bright and memorable.
In 2000, a grandiose tour of the Mariinsky Theater troupe took place in London. Vishneva took part in 18 ballet and 16 opera productions. In the first part of the tour, the girl danced the part from The Sleeping Beauty on stage; the season closed with the production of Rubies.
Personal life
As soon as she joined the Mariinsky Theater troupe, the aspiring ballerina met dancer Farukh Ruzimatov, who for a long time became the artist’s partner on stage and a close person behind the scenes. Diana and Farukh, who turned out to be 13 years older than her lover, dated for a long time. Some colleagues even called the couple husband and wife, although the ballet dancers did not formalize their relationship.
Diana Vishneva and Farukh Ruzimatov
In 2013, the public discussed rumors about Vishneva’s connection with billionaire Roman Abramovich. But both he and she denied that they were in a romantic relationship. Actually, such conversations stopped in August of the same year, as the ballerina’s wedding took place with producer Konstantin Selinevich. By the way, Diana Vishneva’s husband managed the affairs of the famous Russian hockey player Alexander Ovechkin. Another man is the owner of his own business in the United States.
It is important to note: the spouses claim that they have been together for a long time, so the words of the husband and wife can be perceived as a negative answer-commentary about the gossip about Diana’s affair with Abramovich. Officially, Diana Vishneva’s personal life changed after the wedding ceremony, which the newlyweds organized in the Hawaiian Islands.
In an interview, Diana speaks very warmly about her husband. She considers her husband to be protection and support. The ballerina shared that she and Konstantin are in complete harmony. He understands a woman in everything and takes upon himself all her experiences.
Vishneva is considered one of the greatest ballerinas still performing on stage. Professional critics call the woman a universal dancer and very beautifully compare Diana’s skill with a Stradivarius violin. And the world-famous Forbes magazine included the famous ballerina in the list of “50 Russians who conquered the world.”
Konstantin Selinevich and Diana Vishneva
Diana is also called the most graceful, light and sophisticated ballerina in Russia. But the artist does not like to talk about weight and food in conversations. According to some information, with a height of 168 cm, Vishneva’s weight is approximately 40-45 kg.
After Diana refused to perform at her own festival, rumors spread that the prima was pregnant. Soon, an acquaintance of the woman shared that Vishneva was really expecting a child. And the ballerina herself began to appear in public in loose-fitting clothes that hid changes in her figure.
Diana Vishneva with her husband
According to official data, on May 13, 2020, Diana Vishneva gave birth to a child. The woman gave her husband a son. Later, the artist’s father said that his daughter and baby were already at home and feeling good. Another man shared that the boy was named after the dancer Rudolf Nureyev. On May 17, Diana posted a photo with her son on her Instagram page. Thousands of ballerina fans congratulated the new mother.
Diana Vishneva has developed her own official website. Those interested can familiarize themselves with the latest creative news, photographs and interviews.
Diana Vishneva Festival
The talented artist admits that she has long had the idea of introducing the viewer to modern dance, as well as showing new trends in world ballet.
For this purpose, Vishneva came up with and then created a festival called Context. And for several years, starting in 2013, the prima has been showing the public various directions in the world of dance.
One of the main goals of the festival is to help young talents develop, to show the public something new, previously unseen, to surprise and conquer. But venerable stars and bright performers also participate and demonstrate their skills and experience.
The festival, held under the auspices of Vishneva, starts in the capital and lasts there for several days, where spectators enjoy the performances of both world-famous stars and young, emerging talents.
The program of performances includes creative evenings, master classes, as well as various improvisations, lectures and even film screenings.
For spectators and ballet dancers, the festival is a real ball, carnival, holiday, where you can express yourself and energize the audience.
Also behind the scenes, Diana and her partners discuss creative plans for the future, as well as the development of ballet and its directions.
Diana Vishneva now
In one conversation with reporters, Diana shared that she had already performed all the parts that interested her. Today the artist’s attention is focused on the development of her projects. According to the ballerina, she has moved to a new stage.
Diana Vishneva
In December 2020, Prima was awarded the prestigious award from the American dance magazine Dance Magazine.
Biography of Diana Vishneva
Diana Vishneva is a famous Russian ballerina, prima of the Mariinsky Theater (since 1996), guest artist of the American Ballet Theater (2005-2017). Winner of the prestigious international competition “Prix de Lausanne” (1994). Winner of many theater awards, State Prize of the Russian Federation (2000), People's Artist of the Russian Federation (2007).
In the photo: ballerina Diana Vishneva
Parties
- 1996 – “Romeo and Juliet” – Juliet
- 2001 – “Manon” – Manon
- 2001 – “Sleeping Beauty” – Princess Aurora
- 2002 – “Don Quixote” – Kitri
- 2005-2017 – “Swan Lake” – Odette and Odile
- 2005-2017 - “Raymonda” - Raymonda
- 2007 – “Beauty in Motion”
- 2011 – “Dialogues”
- 2013 – “Bolero”
- 2013 – “On the Edge”
- 2014 – “Tatyana” - Tatyana Larina
Ballerina career
In 1995, after graduating from the Agrippina Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, young Diana Vishneva became a member of the Mariinsky Ballet Theater troupe, and already in 1996 - the leading soloist of this theater.
In 1994, at the very beginning of her career, the ballerina took part in the festival of young dancers in Lausanne, performing the miniature “Carmen” specially staged for her. At this festival, the talented ballerina received her very first awards: a gold medal and a Grand Prix at the same time. And in 1997 she performed at the same festival as a guest star.
Her career got off to a fast start. Immediately the main roles in ballet productions of “Romeo and Juliet”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Don Quixote” and others.
Ballet as self-sacrifice
She has been on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater for more than twenty years. And she admits that fees are not the main thing for her. Yes, for example, show business artists receive much more money for their work. But being a ballet dancer is a titanic work. It is impossible to perform to a soundtrack here. Here you need to be in shape every day.
Ballet for her is a form of self-sacrifice and service to people. Either you give yourself entirely to him, invest in invented images, give all your strength on stage and in long hours of daily work, or you think about fees, says Diana Vishneva.
The ballerina admits that sometimes she experiences stress, has health problems, and accumulates physical fatigue. But nevertheless, she has a great interest and a strong desire to practice ballet. Through every movement she gets to know herself, walks along the edges of her own soul and body.
View gallery
Diana Vishneva: biography, husband
Vishneva is a well-known social and media character. How does Diana Vishneva live? The biography, the family of the famous ballerina - her fans are keenly interested in all this. They were able to satisfy their curiosity only recently - when it became known that in 2013 the ballerina and her producer Konstantin Selinevich got married in the Hawaiian Islands. The couple met at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Then Konstantin was involved in hockey production, in particular, he represented the interests of hockey player Alexander Ovechkin in the USA. The ballerina's publicity is limited to coverage of her professional activities. Diana Vishneva, a biography whose personal life was hidden behind seven seals, was rumored to have had a passionate romantic relationship at the beginning of her career with her partner in the play “Don Quixote,” the famous dancer Farukh Ruzimatov, but both artists never commented on this information.
In 2013, there were persistent rumors about Diana Vishneva’s relationship with billionaire Roman Abramovich. However, both sides stubbornly denied all gossip.
Childhood
Diana Vishneva was born on July 13, 1976 in Leningrad, into a family of chemical engineers. Diana’s mother, Guzali Fagimovna, dreamed of becoming a ballerina in her youth and was passionate about ballet all her life. According to Vishneva, it was her mother who instilled in her a love of ballet. And her father, Viktor Gennadievich, taught her to self-discipline - he and his daughter went in for sports since childhood, together they skied and swam.
Diana Vishneva in childhood Parents enrolled 6-year-old Diana in choreography classes at the Palace of Pioneers, and at the age of 11 the girl was already able to enter the choreographic school. Vaganova.
Diana Vishneva has been a fan of ballet since childhood. In 1994, at the age of 18, Vishneva won a Gold medal at the international ballet competition “Prix of Lausanne”. The girl received a standing ovation, gracefully performing a variation from the ballet “Coppelia” and the number “Carmen”, choreographed especially for the competition by Igor Belsky.
