I had the great good fortune to see Daria Pavlenko of the Mariinsky Theatre as Odette/Odile, Nikiya, Lilac Fairy, and in Diamonds and La Valse over the past few years. I was deeply impressed each time by the essentially human quality she brought to these roles - on stage she was not just a ballerina but a woman. I was able to read every emotion through not just her face, but her whole body. She "breaths" the dance. It takes a great artist to make one forget time and place, to bring joy and tears for the interpretation as readily as applause for the technique. To me personally, D. Pavlenko embodies every quality of a great artist, and the memories of her performances stay most vivid in my mind.
It is sad that she is so often overlooked at the Mariinsky. Although listed as a Principal Dancer, she rarely appears on tours, and when she does is almost never given the opening night (usually a matinee). At home she performs only occasionally. This is a situation where the dancer is promoted to the top spot and then neglected. I guess its all about the politics.... however these dancers should know how much they are appreciated!!