Trained in St. Petersburg, Russia, Anna Zheleznyakova is a freelance ballerina specializing in the classical repertoire. Ms. Zheleznyakova excels in the romantic roles, and is known for her artistry and lyricism in such roles as Giselle, Raymonda, and the Dying Swan.
About Anna Zheleznyakova
Trained in St. Petersburg, Russia, Anna Zheleznyakova is a freelance ballerina specializing in the classical repertoire. Ms. Zheleznyakova excels in the romantic roles, and is known for her artistry and lyricism in such roles as Giselle, Raymonda, and the Dying Swan. Anna has trained with the legendary S. Messerer upon her immigration to the west, as well as N. Zolotova, and N. Silvanovich (graduating class). Later she entered the Leningrad Conservatory im Rimskogo-Korsakova under the Directorship of N. Dolgushin, where she studied with the great masters passing down to her the rich traditions of Russian ballet. At the Kirov Theatre (Maryinsky) Anna studied with G. Komleva, and V. Semenov. Ms. Zheleznyakova was quickly noticed and taken under wing by former Prima Ballerina T. Fesenko, and later by L. Butskova, former soloist of the Bolshoi Ballet. These two ballet greats were instrumental in molding and coaching Anna in her career. Anna has danced lead roles with troupes of the Maryinsky and Bolshoi Theatres in such ballets as Giselle, Raymonda, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, and The Dying Swan. Her repertoire also includes various classical pas de deux’s and solos from Chopiniana (Les Sylphides), Coppelia, Esmeralda, Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadere, Swan Lake, and more.
Ms. Zheleznyakova has staged repertoire evenings of the classics, and has choreographed various miniatures and a full length Nutcracker. Anna Zheleznyakova was Artistic/Program Director of A Love Affair with Russian Ballet. This program was an evening of excerpts highlighting the classics of Petipa as well as three world premieres. Amongst these premieres were two pas de deuxs; one choreographed to Andrea Bocellis’ “Time to Say Goodbye”, and another pas de deux choreographed to Michael Nyman’s “Jealous of the Rain” from the motion picture The End of the Affair. The third piece was choreographed to “Bearing the Cross” from the motion picture The Passion of the Christ. (Anna invited A. Emelianov to choreograph the two pas de deux’s.)
This production was also recorded in a series of pastels of Anna and many of the dancers by artist David Thomas. An art exhibit of these works was displayed in honor of Ann Marie Fela at the Jackson Library, University of North Carolina at Greensboro from February 17, 2006 – December 31, 2006. One of the original pastels is now the property of the university and is permanently on display.
Anna Zheleznyakova currently dances, guest teaches, coaches and choreographs internationally.