Natalia Kasatkina, People’s Artist of the RSFSR and director of the Moscow Classical Ballet Theatre, was a steadfast advocate for the survival of classical ballet. Ballerina Anastasia Volochkova spoke about Kasatkina’s enduring influence on socialbites.ca, emphasizing that her loss leaves a void in Russian ballet that cannot be filled by others at the same level.
“With Natalia Kasatkina we shared countless creative moments not only on stage but in life as well. She was a remarkable figure who consistently defended classical ballet, often opposing calls to cut venerable productions from various institutions. Her stance stood in sharp contrast to changing trends, and she always believed that classical ballet should endure. Her passing is a heavy blow to Russian ballet, especially in a moment when the field lacks prominent stars, renowned mentors, and educators. Such masters are rare, and Kasatkina’s presence was uniquely influential. All who knew her mourn this immense loss, and Volochkova offered condolences to Kasatkina’s loved ones, adding that she would keep Kasatkina in her prayers.”
According to Volochkova, Kasatkina supported the ballerina during difficult times when she faced an unlawful departure from the Bolshoi Theater, providing performers from her own troupe to participate in productions.
“In my case, Natalia Kasatkina and Vladimir Vasilev recognized the injustice unfolding at the Bolshoi Theater when I was wrongfully dismissed. I had already created my own concert show, and a performance had taken shape, culminating in a major event at the Kremlin Palace. It stood as a bold response to the attacks I faced. Throughout those trials, I remained committed to creativity as my shield, and Kasatkina gave me colleagues from her company to take part in my shows during their most challenging period when others retreated. I am deeply grateful for that support. I know he respected me as much as I respected him”, she added.
On March 14, it was announced that Natalia Kasatkina, the People’s Artist of the RSFSR and head of the Moscow Classical Ballet Theatre, had died at 89 in Moscow. The date and location of a farewell ceremony were not yet disclosed.
Kasatkina was born in Moscow on June 7, 1934. She completed the Moscow Choreographic School in 1953 and joined the Bolshoi Theatre, where she performed from 1954 to 1976. Her debut included Besnovataya in Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Rock in Georges Bizet-Rudolf Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite, among other roles on the Bolshoi stage.
Beginning in the 1960s, Kasatkina expanded her work as a choreographer and screenwriter, collaborating closely with her husband, dancer and choreographer Vladimir Vasilev. The duo became artistic directors of the Classical Ballet Concert Company in 1977 and, in 1992, led the State Classical Ballet Theater under their joint direction. Kasatkina’s career bridged performance, creation, and leadership, shaping generations of dancers and audiences alike.
Earlier reports noted that the Soviet cinema star Galina Yatskina had also passed away after entering a monastery at age 79, signaling a moment of transition for Russian performing arts as a whole.