Welcome to the Russian Ballet Olga Vikhrova website. I was born in Russia, in Saint Petersburg and at the age of 24 came to England, therefore I brought with me to my new home my roots, my culture and education. Despite some differences, U.K. and Russia have something in common. English people value Russian art, music and dance and I am pleased to say, that I promote this connection by teaching ballet, which considered being one of the best import to the West. After over 40 years living in U.K. I have learned and enjoy English quirky sense humour, appreciate beauty of the country side, leading in popular culture and long rooted traditions.
After strictly scrutinised audition, at the age of 11, I was accepted to the Russian Ballet Academy and after 8 years of education, graduated, with diploma of a professional ballet dancer. Immediately, I was invited by the artistic director Elegius Bukaitis ( former class mate of R.Nuriev) to work in Vilnius, at the State Opera and Ballet Theatre, where I danced in all current ballet and opera repertoire, including Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Anna Karenina, Romeo and Juliet, Faust, Prince Igor, Traviata and other.
I had to stop dancing, after getting married, moving to England and having a daughter. It was a difficult time, because of the Cold War situation. There were not many Russian speaking people in Bournemouth, my home in U.K. At all. But on the other hand, it was interesting to meet a few Russians, who left home country because of the revolution or even one deserted after the WW2.
At some point, I was applied to the professional dancers teacher course at the Royal Ballet School and after graduation was invited by Lucia Truglia, artistic director of the English National Ballet School to teach there. Simultaneously, I was also teaching ballet in Richmond College for adults education, were I continued to work for 15 years.
Some of the highlights during my work in London, is being involved with the Kirov ( now Mariinsky ) theatre and Bolshoi touring in London.
Commuting to London and bringing up my other two children after a while became too much and I decided to stay in the south near the sea in Poole.
Tested by time, Russian ballet method is beautiful, stylish and now you can learn it whenever you are. Now Russian teachers live in most countries in the world and modern technology allows them to reach even further afield. Vaganova School of teaching ( Saint Petersburg and Moscow schools) guarantee high quality of teaching degree. And no matter what your age, level of ability you are and aim to achieve, Russian teachers will get you to the top of your capacity, professional level or leisure. I am proud of being a part of this big family, giving ballet lessons, specially directed to adults leisure practice and early age children’s private tuition. I teach on line at the moment, on Zoom. It’s informal, friendly without compromising. Contact me with your enquiries: olga@russianballet.co.uk