A video post from ballerina Anastasia Volochkova’s VK page announces her anticipated return to performances with the Bolshoi Theatre. The dancer notes that the theater has requested a public message from fans that she will be back, which she initially found amusing but chose to fulfill for her supporters.
She adds that she does not feel compelled to return to the theatre, stressing that she has her own projects and responsibilities to manage independently of the Bolshoi.
Volochkova first joined the Bolshoi in 1998 as Odette in Swan Lake. Soon after, she became a permanent member of the troupe, but in 2003 management declined to renew a one-year contract, opting for a shorter four-month term instead.
Since 2003, the dancer has pursued legal action against Bolshoi representatives, seeking compensation and the reversal of certain orders she views as invalid. She argues that her long tenure of 18 years working with the theatre entitles her to compensation she believes she earned during her career there.
The performer later revealed that she received anonymous messages and reports suggesting that fellow Bolshoi dancers could secure pension protections by releasing a broader statement of solidarity. According to Volochkova, dancers who retire can only begin receiving pension benefits after a five-year waiting period, a detail she regards as important for colleagues planning their post performance lives.
Meanwhile, former singer Prokhor Chaliapin spoke about his grandmother Gurchenko and the impact of her legacy on his own outlook in the music and performance world. The conversation highlighted how past generations influence today’s stage careers and the ongoing dialogue about retirement, health, and compensation in the performing arts industry.