Athlete and artist Anastasia Volochkova speaks out amid performance controversy
In Moscow, the celebrated ballerina Anastasia Volochkova addressed an audience at a press conference, saying she will keep dancing even if concerts are canceled due to the scandal surrounding a provocative video. The update came from HABER.ru and highlighted her resolve to continue performing wherever venues are ready to host her.
Volochkova made it clear that her commitment to the stage remains unshaken. When asked what she would become if not a dancer, she offered a simple reply: she would still be a dancer. She emphasized that she intends to dance and bring joy to audiences, underscoring that preparation and timing matter and that fans should not wait for her absence.
The artist also recalled home facilities that could double as intimate performance spaces. She mentioned a room of about 80 square meters in her residence that could host private events. During the pandemic, she staged a miniature program titled Ballerina Passing Through the Circus Mirror, and that piece was shared live across social networks, demonstrating her willingness to innovate and engage with viewers online.
Online activity in January featured a video where Volochkova danced with another public figure, Dzhigurda, to a track by Uspenskaya called Guitar. Throughout this dance, she knelt, and in a moment described by observers, there was a sudden wardrobe moment and a close physical escalation. The episode drew widespread attention and ongoing discussion among fans and critics alike, as it touched on performance boundaries and public expectations.
In response, Volochkova asserted that the incident had been staged as a provocation ahead of time, a claim she attributes to Dzhigurda. She said this would affect their friendship going forward, making it impossible for her to consider him a close ally in the artistic sphere. The exchange sparked debates about accountability, consent, and the role of provocations in celebrity culture, with many fans weighing in on social media and in news discussions about responsibility and artistic expression.
Earlier in the year, there was another moment that attracted media attention when Volochkova returned from a trip and, according to reports, exchanged sharp words with airport staff. This incident added to a broader narrative around the artist, her public image, and how public figures manage stress and scrutiny in high-profile moments.
Throughout these events, observers have noted Volochkova’s strong stage presence and her ability to connect with audiences despite controversial coverage. Supporters point to her long career arcs, notable performances, and willingness to push artistic boundaries as evidence of her enduring influence in contemporary ballet and performance art. Critics, meanwhile, question the role of sensational media and the impact of online dynamics on a dancer’s professional life. The ongoing discourse reflects a broader conversation about accountability, artistic freedom, and the pressures faced by public figures in the digital era. Attribution for the coverage is provided to HABER.ru and related media outlets reporting on these developments, with readers encouraged to consider multiple perspectives to form a well-rounded view of the events and their implications for the arts community.