Who is Alexei Ratmansky and what are his primary professions?

Alexei Osipovich Ratmansky is a Russian-Ukrainian-American choreographer and former ballet dancer. He is widely recognized for his work in ballet, both as a performer and as a creator of new choreographic works, as well as his administrative roles in major ballet companies.

When and where was Alexei Ratmansky born?

Alexei Ratmansky was born on August 27, 1968, in Leningrad, Soviet Union. Leningrad is the former name of Saint Petersburg, Russia.

What is Alexei Ratmansky's full name and what nationalities does he hold?

Alexei Ratmansky's full birth name is Alexei Osipovich Ratmansky. He is identified as Russian-Ukrainian-American, reflecting his origins and subsequent career path.

What were Alexei Ratmansky's early training and professional beginnings?

Ratmansky trained under Pyotr Pestov and Alexandra Markeyeva at the Bolshoi Ballet School in Moscow, graduating in 1986. He began his professional career in Kyiv and later became a principal dancer with the Ukrainian National Ballet, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and the Royal Danish Ballet.

Describe Alexei Ratmansky's significant administrative roles in ballet companies.

Alexei Ratmansky served as the artistic director of the Moscow Bolshoi Ballet from 2004 to 2008. Following his tenure at the Bolshoi, he became the first artist in residence at the American Ballet Theatre in 2009 and later took on the role of artist in residence at the New York City Ballet starting in August 2023.

What was Alexei Ratmansky's first notable choreographic work, and what recognition did it receive?

Alexei Ratmansky's choreographic career gained significant attention with his staging of the ballet *Dreams of Japan* for the State Ballet of Georgia in 1998. This work earned him the Golden Mask Award from the Theatre Union of Russia.

What is Alexei Ratmansky known for in terms of restaging ballets?

Ratmansky is recognized for his skill in restaging traditionally classical ballets for large companies. This involves meticulously reconstructing or reinterpreting historical works to suit contemporary performance standards and audiences.

Which ballet marked Ratmansky's first full-length story ballet, and for which company was it created?

Alexei Ratmansky's first three-act story ballet was *Cinderella*, which he created for the Kirov Ballet in 2002. This marked a significant step in his choreographic development, moving from shorter pieces to a full narrative structure.

How did Ratmansky's staging of *The Bright Stream* influence his career?

Ratmansky's 2003 staging of *The Bright Stream* (also known as 'The Limpid Stream') for the Bolshoi Ballet was highly successful. This achievement led directly to his appointment as the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet the following year, significantly elevating his administrative and artistic profile.

What accolades did the Bolshoi Ballet receive under Ratmansky's direction, and what personal award did he receive?

Under Ratmansky's direction, the Bolshoi Ballet was named 'Best Foreign Company' by The Critics' Circle in London in both 2005 and 2007. Additionally, he personally received the Critics' Circle National Dance Award for his work on *The Bright Stream*.

What led to Ratmansky taking a position at the American Ballet Theatre instead of the New York City Ballet?

After his directorship at the Bolshoi, Ratmansky was in negotiations with the New York City Ballet for the position of resident choreographer. However, these negotiations failed, leading him to accept the role of the first artist in residence at the American Ballet Theatre in 2008.

What are some notable ballets Ratmansky has created for the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre?

For the New York City Ballet, Ratmansky has created ballets such as *Russian Seasons* and *Concerto DSCH*. For the American Ballet Theatre, his works include *On the Dnieper* and *Seven Sonatas*.

How was Alexei Ratmansky's choreography for *Romeo and Juliet* received?

In 2011, Ratmansky's choreography for Prokofiev's *Romeo and Juliet* premiered with the National Ballet of Canada. Its subsequent performance in London garnered high praise, with New York Times reviewer Alastair Macaulay calling him 'the most gifted choreographer specializing in classical ballet today'.

What new direction did Ratmansky's career take in 2014 regarding historical ballets?

In 2014, Ratmansky began reconstructing historical ballets. His first major reconstruction was Marius Petipa's final revival of *Paquita*, based on materials from the Sergeyev Collection. This marked a significant new phase in his career, focusing on historical preservation and interpretation.

Which other major Petipa ballets has Ratmansky reconstructed?

Following his reconstruction of *Paquita*, Ratmansky has reconstructed other significant Petipa ballets. These include *The Sleeping Beauty* for American Ballet Theatre in 2015, the 1895 Petipa/Ivanov staging of *Swan Lake* in 2016, *Harlequinade* and *La Bayadère* in 2018, and *Giselle* in 2019.

How did the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 affect Alexei Ratmansky?

Alexei Ratmansky was choreographing a new work at the Bolshoi Theatre when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. He immediately departed Russia and publicly condemned the invasion. His parents and in-laws remained in Ukraine at the time, unable to leave.

What are some of the ballets Alexei Ratmansky choreographed in the 1990s?

During the 1990s, Ratmansky choreographed several works, including *La Sylphide-88* and *Duet-buff #1 & 2* in 1988. Later in the decade, he created *Pas de Graham* (1993), *The Fairy's Kiss* and *Alborada* (1994), *Hurluburlu* and *Poor Little Things* (1995), *Sarabande* (1996), and *Charms of Mannerism*, *Capriccio*, *Krakowyak*, and *Old Juniet's Carriol* (1997), among others.

List some of Ratmansky's choreographic works from the early 2000s.

In the early 2000s, Ratmansky created notable works such as *Dreams of Japan* and *Middle Duet* (1998), *Water* and *Chrizantemums* (1999). His output continued with *Turandot's Dream*, *Flight to Budapest*, *Leah*, and *The Nutcracker* (2001), followed by *Cinderella*, *Vers la Flamme*, and *The Firebird* (2002), and *The Bright Stream*, *Carnaval des Animaux*, and *Bolero* (2003).

What significant ballets did Ratmansky choreograph or restage between 2004 and 2010?

Between 2004 and 2010, Ratmansky choreographed *Anna Karenina* and a second version of *Leah* (2004), *The Bolt* and *Jeu de cartes* (2005), *Russian Seasons* (2006), and restaged *Le Corsaire* and *Flames of Paris* (2007-2008). He also created *Biset Variations*, *Pierrot Lunaire*, *Concerto DSCH* (2008), and *The Little Humpbacked Horse*, *Valse-Fantasie*, *On the Dnieper*, *Scuola di Ballo*, *Seven Sonatas* (2009), and *Don Quixote*, *Namouna*, *Fandango*, and a second version of *The Nutcracker* (2010).

Can you provide examples of Ratmansky's choreographic works from 2011 onwards?

From 2011 onwards, Ratmansky's choreographic output includes *Lost Illusions*, *Dumbarton*, *Psyche*, and *Romeo & Juliet* (2011); *Souvenir d'un Lieu Cher*, *Symphonic Dances*, *The Firebird* (2nd version), *The Golden Cockerel*, and *Symphony No. 9* (2012); *24 Preludes*, *From Foreign Lands*, *Chamber Symphony*, *Piano Concerto No. 1*, *Cinderella* (2nd version), *Opera*, and *The Tempest* (2013); *Tanzsuite*, *Pictures at an Exhibition*, and *Rondo Capriccioso* (2014); *Serenade After Plato’s Symposium* (2016); *Whipped Cream*, *Odessa*, and *Songs of Bukovina* (2017); *The Seasons* (2019); *Voices* and *Of Love and Rage* (2020); *Bernstein in a Bubble* (2021); *Wartime Elegy* and *Tchaikovsky Overtures* (2022); *Coppélia* (2023); *La Séparation* and *Solitude* (2024); and *Paquita* and *Trio Kagel* (2025).

What are the titles of the ballets Alexei Ratmansky reconstructed between 2014 and 2019?

Between 2014 and 2019, Alexei Ratmansky reconstructed several significant ballets. These include Marius Petipa's *Paquita* (2014), *The Sleeping Beauty* (2015), the 1895 Petipa/Ivanov staging of *Swan Lake* (2016), *Harlequinade* and *La Bayadère* (2018), and *Giselle* (2019).

What major awards has Alexei Ratmansky received for his choreography?

Alexei Ratmansky has received prestigious awards for his choreography, including the Prix Benois de la Danse in 2005 for *Anna Karenina* and in 2014 for *Shostakovich Trilogy* and *The Tempest*. He also won the Golden Mask Award for Best Choreographer in 2007 for *Jeu de Cartes*.

What is the significance of the MacArthur Fellowship awarded to Ratmansky?

In 2013, Alexei Ratmansky was named a MacArthur Fellow, receiving a "genius grant." This award recognizes individuals in any field who demonstrate exceptional merit and show promise for continued and enhanced creative work, highlighting his significant contributions to the arts.

What recognition did Ratmansky receive from the Carnegie Corporation of New York?

In 2020, the Carnegie Corporation of New York honored Alexei Ratmansky with their Great Immigrants Award. This award celebrates immigrants who have enriched American culture and society through their achievements.

What is the title and author of the biography about Alexei Ratmansky mentioned in the text?

The text mentions a book about Alexei Ratmansky titled *The Boy from Kyiv: Alexei Ratmansky's Life in Ballet*, written by Marina Harss and published in 2023.

What does the image caption describe?

The image caption describes Alexei Ratmansky and Tatiana Ratmansky posing with Yuri Khanon at the Mariinsky Theatre in 1998 during a performance of 'Middle Duet'.

What is Alexei Ratmansky's connection to the National Opera of Ukraine and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet?

Alexei Ratmansky was a principal dancer with the Ukrainian National Ballet (associated with the National Opera of Ukraine) and also danced with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet during the earlier stages of his career.

What is the significance of the 'artist in residence' title Ratmansky holds at various ballet companies?

Holding the title of 'artist in residence' typically means Ratmansky is affiliated with these companies, contributing his choreographic expertise, potentially staging his existing works, and possibly creating new ones. It signifies a significant ongoing relationship and artistic contribution to the company's repertoire and artistic direction.

What does the term 'choreographer' mean in the context of ballet?

A choreographer is an artist who designs dances and creates the sequence of movements for a ballet or other dance performance. They translate music and concepts into physical expression, dictating the steps, gestures, and overall structure of the dance.

What is the Bolshoi Ballet School, where Ratmansky trained?

The Bolshoi Ballet School, where Alexei Ratmansky received his training, is a prestigious institution in Moscow, Russia, renowned for educating generations of world-class ballet dancers and choreographers. It is often considered one of the leading ballet academies globally.

What is the significance of Marius Petipa in the history of ballet, given Ratmansky's reconstructions of his works?

Marius Petipa was a highly influential French-Russian ballet dancer and choreographer, widely regarded as the most important ballet master and choreographer in ballet history. His works, such as *The Sleeping Beauty*, *Swan Lake* (with Lev Ivanov), *Paquita*, and *La Bayadère*, form the backbone of the classical ballet repertoire, and Ratmansky's reconstructions aim to preserve and present these masterpieces.

What does the term 'restaging' imply in the context of ballet choreography?

Restaging a ballet involves recreating a previously choreographed work, often one that is historically significant or part of a company's repertoire. This process requires careful study of the original choreography, music, and historical context to ensure an authentic and artistically valid revival for a new generation of dancers and audiences.

What is the 'Sergeyev Collection' mentioned in relation to Ratmansky's reconstruction of *Paquita*?

The Sergeyev Collection is a vital archive of ballet notation and materials, primarily documenting the choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov from the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg. It was smuggled out of Russia after the revolution and preserved, allowing choreographers like Ratmansky to reconstruct historical ballets based on its contents.

What does the 'Golden Mask Award' signify in the Russian performing arts context?

The Golden Mask is the highest national theatre award in Russia, recognizing outstanding achievements in all genres of theatre, including ballet. Winning this award, particularly for Best Choreographer, signifies significant critical acclaim within the Russian performing arts community.

What is the Prix Benois de la Danse, and why is it significant for Ratmansky?

The Prix Benois de la Danse is considered one of the most prestigious international ballet awards, often referred to as the 'Oscars' of ballet. Ratmansky winning this award multiple times for choreography underscores his international recognition and impact on the global ballet scene.

What is a 'genius grant' in the context of the MacArthur Fellowship?

A 'genius grant' is a common term for the MacArthur Fellowship, awarded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. It provides substantial financial support to exceptionally talented individuals in various fields, enabling them to pursue their creative endeavors without financial constraints, recognizing their potential for significant future contributions.

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Introduction

A Visionary in Ballet

Alexei Osipovich Ratmansky, born August 27, 1968, is a distinguished figure in the world of ballet, recognized internationally as a choreographer, former ballet dancer, and company director. Holding Russian-Ukrainian-American citizenship, Ratmansky has left an indelible mark on classical ballet through his innovative choreography and insightful restagings of historical works.

Leadership Roles

His administrative career includes a significant tenure as the director of the Moscow Bolshoi Ballet from 2004 to 2008. Following his departure from Russia, he became the artist in residence at the American Ballet Theatre in 2009, a position he held for many years. As of August 2023, he also serves as an artist in residence at the New York City Ballet, further cementing his influence in the global dance landscape.

Artistic Acclaim

Ratmansky is celebrated for his ability to blend classical technique with contemporary sensibilities, creating works that are both technically demanding and emotionally resonant. His contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards and widespread critical acclaim, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential choreographers of his generation.

Biographical Sketch

Origins and Early Life

Born Alexei Osipovich Ratmansky in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Soviet Union, on August 27, 1968, Ratmansky spent his formative years in Kyiv, Ukrainian SSR. This dual heritage has informed his perspective and artistic output throughout his career.

Personal Life

Ratmansky is married to Tatiana Kilivniuk, and they have one child. His personal life, while often kept private, has been touched by significant geopolitical events, influencing his professional decisions and artistic expressions.

Training

Foundational Education

Ratmansky received his rigorous classical ballet training under the tutelage of esteemed mentors Pyotr Pestov and Alexandra Markeyeva at the renowned Bolshoi Ballet School in Moscow. He graduated from this prestigious institution in 1986, laying the groundwork for his distinguished career in dance.

Performance Career

Principal Dancer

Following his graduation, Ratmansky embarked on a professional dancing career. He began in Kyiv and subsequently held principal dancer positions with several esteemed companies, including the Ukrainian National Ballet, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and the Royal Danish Ballet. His performance background provides him with an intimate understanding of the dancer's craft, which deeply informs his choreographic work.

Choreographic Works

Crafting New Narratives

Ratmansky's choreographic journey gained significant recognition with works like Dreams of Japan and Charms of Mannerism, created for Nina Ananiashvili in the late 1990s. His ability to craft compelling full-length story ballets, such as his 2002 Cinderella for the Kirov Ballet, quickly established him as a major choreographic voice.

Early Works: La Sylphide-88, Pas de Graham, Alborada, Charms of Mannerism.
Story Ballets: Cinderella (2002), The Bright Stream (2003), Anna Karenina (2004), The Bolt (2005), Romeo & Juliet (2011), The Tempest (2013), Of Love and Rage (2020).
Abstract & Neoclassical: Russian Seasons (2006), Concerto DSCH (2008), Seven Sonatas (2009), Symphonic Dances (2012), Pictures at an Exhibition (2014).

Petipa Reconstructions

A significant aspect of Ratmansky's recent work involves meticulous reconstructions of ballets by Marius Petipa and his contemporaries. These efforts aim to preserve and revive the original choreographic intentions of classical masterpieces.

Paquita (2014)
The Sleeping Beauty (2015)
Swan Lake (1895 staging, 2016)
Harlequinade (2018)
La Bayadère (2018)
Giselle (2019)

Critical Acclaim

His choreography has been lauded for its depth, musicality, and ability to capture the essence of classical ballet while remaining relevant to contemporary audiences. Alastair Macaulay of The New York Times described him as "the most gifted choreographer specializing in classical ballet today."

Artistic Direction

Bolshoi Ballet Director

From 2004 to 2008, Ratmansky served as the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. During his tenure, he revitalized the company's repertoire, staging new productions and re-establishing classical works. His leadership was recognized by The Critics' Circle in London, which named the Bolshoi "Best Foreign Company" twice under his direction.

American Ballet Theatre & NYCB

In 2008, he became the first artist in residence at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). His ballets for ABT, such as On the Dnieper and Seven Sonatas, have been widely performed. In August 2023, he took on a similar role as artist in residence at the New York City Ballet (NYCB), continuing his significant contributions to American ballet.

Awards and Honors

Prestigious Recognition

Ratmansky's exceptional contributions to dance have been recognized with numerous accolades:

Prix Benois de la Danse: Awarded twice (2005 for Anna Karenina, 2014 for Shostakovich Trilogy and The Tempest).
Golden Mask Award: Received for Best Choreographer (2007 for Jeu de cartes).
MacArthur Fellowship: Recognized in 2013 with a "genius grant" for exceptional merit and promise.
Great Immigrants Award: Honored by Carnegie Corporation of New York in 2020.
The Critics' Circle (London) named the Bolshoi "Best Foreign Company" under his direction (2005, 2007).

Artistic and Political Context

Stance on Ukraine Invasion

Ratmansky's work and life have been profoundly impacted by geopolitical events. In February 2022, while preparing a new work at the Bolshoi, he immediately condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and departed the country. He has stated he does not wish for his ballets to be staged in Russia again while the conflict persists. His parents and in-laws remained in Ukraine, highlighting the personal toll of the war.

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References

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional artistic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding ballet, choreography, or artistic direction. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific artistic or career guidance.

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Maestro of Movement

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

🎭 A Visionary in Ballet

🏛️ Leadership Roles

🌟 Artistic Acclaim

Biographical Sketch 👤

📍 Origins and Early Life

💍 Personal Life

Training 🎓

📚 Foundational Education

Performance Career 💃

⭐ Principal Dancer

Choreographic Works ✨

📝 Crafting New Narratives

🏛️ Petipa Reconstructions

🏆 Critical Acclaim

Artistic Direction 👑

🇷🇺 Bolshoi Ballet Director

🇺🇸 American Ballet Theatre & NYCB

Awards and Honors 🏅

🏆 Prestigious Recognition

Artistic and Political Context 🌍

🕊️ Stance on Ukraine Invasion

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Visionary in Ballet

Leadership Roles

Artistic Acclaim

Biographical Sketch

Origins and Early Life

Personal Life

Training

Foundational Education

Performance Career

Principal Dancer

Choreographic Works

Crafting New Narratives

Petipa Reconstructions

Critical Acclaim

Artistic Direction

Bolshoi Ballet Director

American Ballet Theatre & NYCB

Awards and Honors

Prestigious Recognition

Artistic and Political Context

Stance on Ukraine Invasion

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice