Polina Semionova - Leaving Staatsballett Berlin

[passionate admirer]

Probably interesting to know: Polina Semionova, first soloist at Malakhovs Staatsballett Berlin announced via Facebook that this season will be her last as a fixed member of the company.

Does anybody know more?

Best regards, passionate admirer

[Classic_Ballet]

The company has made official that Semionova is leaving Berlin. The note is on their website and in german, so it would be nice if someone could translate the press release for the ballet talk community.

There is a lot of speculation about where is Semionova going, back to Russia ? L'Scala ? or ABT ?

It would be great if ABT can land Semionova full-time, and not only as a guest.

here is the link

www.staatsballett-berlin.de/en_EN/press/detail/1471/18330

[Helene]

Here's an overview -- not a word-for-word translation -- with the help of Bing translator; please correct where I've gone astray:

Polina Seminova, First Soloist of the Berlin Staatsballet, asked to be released early from her contract, which had been extended through the summer of 2013, at the end of this season. With sadness/regret, Intendant Vladimir Malakhov agreed (to let her go,) and the company will respect her decision.

Malakhov discovered her at the Bolshoi School, recognizing that she was a major talent. He hired her into the company directly as First Soloist when she was 17. Since her first season [with the company] in 2002-3, Malakhov drove her artistic development and entrusted her with major roles in the repertoire -- for example, Odette/Odile and Tatiana ["Onegin"] -- and brought her to the attention of guest choreographers. These worldwide connections opened the door for her international career, which she developed from an early stage.

[Classic_Ballet]

Thank you Helene

This is a tough one for Malakhov, and looks like it may have been unexpected.

[Helene]

Many thanks for posting the news!

[Helene]

If anyone has any news, please let us know, with a link.