Mariinsky prima stars on Bolshoi scene

19 Jun, 2007 10:15 / Updated 17 years ago

The Mariinsky Theatre's prima ballerina, Uliana Lopatkina, is back in Moscow. Just a few months ago she was starring in “La Bayadere” at the Bolshoi with a romantic portrayal of Nikiya. But the fiery Spanish lover requires a different sensibil

Since the 1970s, some critics have held that no one could ever perform Carmen's part better than Russian mega star Maya Plisetskaya. She was the one who made Bizet's “Carmen” among the most popular ballets in the world. Finally it seems there is a pretender to the throne. The Mariinsky's young star Lopatkina has received glowing accolades from both critics and public alike. “For me it's a very special occasion. It's a very special performance and I have to tell you that in real life I've never experienced such strong feelings as Carmen. I'm so excited and satisfied now,” the ballerina said.