Nina Kirsanova
| Nina Kirsanova | |
|---|---|
Nina Kirsanova
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| Born | 1898 Moscow, Russian Empire |
| Died | 3 February 1989 (aged 90–91) Beograd, SFR Yugoslavia |
| Occupation | Ballet dancer, choreographer, ballet teacher |
| Years active | 1923 – 1951 |
| Dances | Ballet |
Nina Kirsanova (1898 – 3 February 1989) was one of the most important ballet artists in Belgrade, who distinguished herself as a lead principal dancer, choreographer, head of ballet and ballet teacher. She also spent time as a nurse, archaeologist and actress.
Nina Vasilievna Kirsanova was born in Moscow in 1898, to Vasil and Zinaida Vaner. The name "Kirsanova" was used as a stage name. She started her ballet education rather late, at the age of 13, due to her father's disapproval. In 1919 she finished her education in Moscow and the same year married Boris Popov, an opera soloist at The Bolshoi Theatre. Under his influence, she applied for and passed an audition at The Bolshoi Theatre. She never had a chance to perform on the stage of the famous theatre since she fled with her husband to Poland in 1920, and then from there to Serbia in 1923.
Upon her arrival in Belgrade her talent didn't go unnoticed, and soon she became a member of The Manjež Theatre, and then the National Theatre in Belgrade, where she gave her best performances in ballets "Giselle", "Coppelia" and "Madame Butterfly". Although Belgrade audience adored her, the temptation to go to France was too strong, so she went to Paris in 1926, to one of the best ballet schools in the world.
After joining the company of the famous Anna Pavlova, she got the confirmation of her great talent. She performed as a principal dancer in all the continents (1927–1931). In 1931 Anna Pavlova died, and the company was dismissed. Although she performed all over the world, her love for Belgrade brought her back to Serbia where she became a head of ballet, choreographer and director at The National Theatre in Belgrade. Under her leadership The National Theatre ballet had its first performance abroad, in Athens. During that period she did 28 ballet and opera choreographies, and 18 roles as a lead principal dancer. Further more, once again she decided to pursue her international career. From 1934 until 1937 she worked in Monte Carlo Opera, as a head of ballet, choreographer and lead principal dancer. After that she spent one year at The Lithuanian Opera.
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