An American at the Bolshoi | The New York Times

A 15-year-old girl from Texas moves to Moscow to train at the Bolshoi Academy, which has long produced many of the world's ballet greats. Her dream is to dance with the Bolshoi Ballet company.
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An American at the Bolshoi | The New York Times
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[@MadameCorgi]

"Joy Annabelle Womack is an American ballet dancer. She is the first American to graduate from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s main training program, and the first American woman to sign a contract with the Bolshoi Ballet. She is currently a principal dancer with the Universal Ballet."

[@clcooks44]

Madame Corgi wow. That’s amazing.

[@raras889]

According to Wikipedia, Anastasia Stevens was the first American to graduate from the Bolshoi's main training program and the first American to sign a contract with Bolshoi Ballet.

[@eleo_b]

Raras Umaratih • but was Anastasia already part Russian? Judging from her name?

[@Aminangela]

Eleonore Bon no, my assumption is that the Wikipedia article used to incorrectly state that joy was the first and it has since been updated. Also Joy is ethnically Russian so even if Anastasia was ethnically Russian that would mean they both are.

[@catty_5656]

Btw, someone can be called Anastasia and not be Russian

[@shadelings]

Now this is the definition of grit. I don't care what kind of background Joy came from in the US, privileged or no, it boggles my mind that at the age of only 15, she was able to relocate to Russia without knowing the language and still thrive with all the many hardships culture shock would bring. Very impressive!

[@miaz3839]

tbh that is not very rare, there are many immigrants coming to America and attend American high schools or middle schools without knowing the language and people like them struggle and work hard every day. The same thing could be said for many teenagers relocate to other parts of the world for whatever reasons. Just not all of them get acknowledged.

[@Wakeupgrandowl]

Exactly!

[@SuperSerge111]

Her love for a ballet overcomes.

[@takenoprisoners837]

If you want to dance, those are the sacrifices we take...

[@eleanatopp1]

I was housemate with three balerinas from Venezuela back in the 80s. They were 16 years old. Two of them won 1st and 2nd place in a competition and won scholarships in NY.

[@marianagalvezv]

She actually graduated Bolshoi and then got a contract for the Bolshoi Ballet. She quit on 2013 due to a bribery scandal and came back to the US to continue her career. Shes amazing

[@mona-mo3sd]

bribery scandal?

[@christianealshut1123]

@@maxt240 I think she was just riding the bandwagon of another scandal that had happened round the time. She has been in a few other companies since - the Kremlin ballet, the Universal Ballet in Korea, the Boston Ballet - and practically all of these positions she left under doubtful circumstances, which she window-dressed to make it appear it was somebody else's fault. At present she's dancing in Astrakhan (i.e. practically in the middle of nowhere); who knows how long that will last. She has no repertory to speak of except the most standard roles - Masha in the Nutcracker, Odette in Swan Lake, Kitri in Don Q and the Diamond Fairy from Sleeping Beauty, which is precious little for someone who's turning I think 27 this year, and considering hoe early dancers' careers usually end.

[@Hella333]

came to the US. I thought she got a contract for principle dance at the Kremlin ballet.

[@DigitalDezinesCEO]

@@christianealshut1123 You sound jealous and bitter.

[@Ruma_Kaalis_Camoran]

@@DigitalDezinesCEO lol she talking fats not feelings like you, you cup of sour milk

[@nancybethshipp]

She does dance for the Kremlin Ballet where she is now a principal dancer. She has her own You Tube channel that is called Joy Womack of course but she also does videos for a You Tube channel called Dance TV

[@lerulara]

Now this is the info I needed!

[@alunashepard9031]

Funny thing is, she LOOKS like a Russian girl. Id have never known she was american.

[@stangarellabullitt6112]

She DOES look Russian. :) I am happy she went for her dreams and seems to be on the mark for her goals. Ballet IS difficult, to say the least, but when a person is 'born' with the desire this desire seldom leaves. I am a testament to that idea. Even though there have been path changes due to injuries or other life situations, I always MUST go 'home'. Barre is home, class is home, the stage is home, performing is home. Once I enter the studio, place my hand on the Barre, NOTHING else matters. My mind, heart, & soul are free. Dance, ballet, is freedom for me. I wish Miss McClerkin the very best!

[@mariafoteini]

tbh theres no "Russian" look as you can find Russians looking like asians, like northern european people, like arab people and the typical Russian looking person we all have in our mind the european looking with asian mix but honestly russia is very diverse. You can find russians looking like anything really except black looking Russians lol

[@dariamerkulova2769]

Typical Russian is "european looking with asian mix"? WHAT? "Typical" Russian, if you want to go there, is blond hair, blue eyes, and white skin. Why would ethnic Russian look in any way "asian" is something I do not get, being Russian myself and stuff. She may look like a Tatar, who are also Russian citizens , but not ethnic Russians. In the end, an ethnic Russian may have any hair/eye colour, and any type of european features. Ethnic Russians look like people from any other Northern European nation, like Brits or Scandinavians when it comes to features and colouring. Simply living closer to Asia doesn't actually change your genes and appearance, believe it or not.

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

She doesn't look Russian. She looks Celtic. But she sees the Russian beauty.

[@Tillysnow1]

Her wikipedia page says she's 'ethnically russian' but born in california, so maybe her grandparents were russian or something?

[@twiwonder]

Hearing her account about her injured foot brought tears to my eyes.

[@noralillian]

For the last couple of weeks I have had Joy as a guest teacher! She is the best teacher I have ever had in my training! The funny thing is now she has a Russian accent even when speaking English to me!

[@LoneWulf278]

That’s interesting and funny.

[@katashley1031]

That's completely an affectation then, lol. How silly.

[@und3rcut535]

I met joy as well and I actualy told this to her and we laughed about it.

[@littleeskimo26z]

Shes saying a teacher never touched her to physically show her how to position herself properly. What a strange studio she must have been going to before. Every studio ive been to in California yells and touches to adjust you.

[@theroadtocosplayandcomicco5840]

Same in my city.

[@casy6203]

Same in high school ballet classes

[@keleiliang5607]

same!

[@lulu-the-librarian]

I had a teacher physically punch my feet into position as a child - kinda traumatizing but you bet my feet point on instinct

[@027dramaqueen]

she means more violently touching, but obviously nothing that does real harm

[@melodramatic7904]

Wow! I just did a search for her on youtube and she made principal dancer at the Kremlin ballet!!!

[@ruemockingjay12]

Where is that? Is it in Russia? This was in 2010 so she would be 20 or 21. That's truly amazing! Such as beautiful girl with raw talent and dertimination. Congrats to her!

[@lblancelot]

ruemockingjay12 Yes, Kremlin is also in Moscow. She is a "guest" Prima.

[@TurboBinch]

Betty Boop Isn't she a principal?

[@iamellie1175]

+melodramatic7904 she has a youtube channel....its amazing +Joy Womack

[@lblancelot]

Well, come to find out, she's actually a Leading Soloist at the Kremlin; according to the Kremlin Ballet web site.

[@MaddieFishblob]

She looks, acts, and dances like a 25 year old 😮 its rare to find someone so mature and driven. She really deserves to be there and I’m glad shes fighting to make her dreams a reality

[@fleabag_]

I want to say a huge BRAVO to this girl. She's only 15 and managed to cope with all the difficulties she faced. She was far away from home, all alone, to a vast country and did not back down. Joy well done, I hope you succeed in getting the role and achieving much more because you truly worth it! You are an inspiration. :D

[@ogijjgroluan]

She actually looks more russian than american. Strong lady!

there is nothing Russian in her. Have you ever saw/lived with native Russians?

[@crystalchandelier833]

What do Americans look like? If you ask me. no one "looks American" except native Americans. Like most white Americans her ancestors are probably a mixture of at least 3 or 4 European countries. so there is no "American look" really.

[@shania9528]

She is ethnically Russian lol en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy_Womack

[@shania9528]

Americans absolutely do have a specific look, I can notice it as a European

[@jaelzion]

+Shaniah Hmmm. My family has been in America since 1750 but somehow I doubt I would fit into what you call the "specific look" for Americans. Remember, there is no such thing as an "ethnic American" unless you are talking about indigenous peoples. Americans have ancestors from all over the globe.

[@countessratzass5408]

My roommate in the 70s was a popular Russian ballerina, who along with her dancer husband, defected from the Soviet Union to the US. She had a difficult time with English and the lifestyle. Her husband became a big whup in the ballet world as a large city ballet director and left her for a younger ballerina. I applaud Joy for her determination and wish her the best.

[@mysticalmargaret6105]

Most recently, the now 29 year old Joy Womack signed a fixed term contract with The Paris Opera Ballet.

[@justusundjuno6786]

She is not a member of the Paris Opéra Ballett.

[@katashley1031]

​@@justusundjuno6786apparently she has been an extra with the corps. Not sure whether that's true, but it's on her wiki page.

[@Christina4758]

She is a beautiful dancer but her courage is even more beautiful. Brava Joy - Merde in all that you do.

[@tsunimee]

Merde?

[@chiarascura7574]

Eh ??

[@fakeaccount-bz5rl]

Hearing about the stranger giving her the money was so heartwarming!

[@romuloduarte4631]

And now they’re making a movie about Joy. Proud, and really excited.

[@kitkat2702]

What's it going to be called, do you know?

[@romuloduarte4631]

@@kitkat2702 Joika. It was released in 18 June I guess

[@caillieb540]

Ay, if ya'll don't already know, Joy vlogs here on KZbin, and you should support her because she is literally a pure soul.

[@madediting9132]

What is the name of her channel?

[@lilly1720]

i live in america and teachers correct me and touch me...its normal. if your in arabesque they can turn out your leg for example...idk where she went but its the norm to have someone correct you..

[@ilyem999]

I'm not sure where your from but in Texas and the southern states that's a little more taboo I grew up in the mid west not as much touching as in Russia and they never grabbed our legs only our arms they my tap out legs though but even that was unusual.

[@yanniedlee]

Probably not a good school

[@КириллГрязнов-с8ь]

Yannie Lee Which of schools is good in your opinion?

[@yanniedlee]

***** yes.

[@КириллГрязнов-с8ь]

Yannie Lee yes what?

[@yonjooheero]

This video made me want to tear up because she's such a hard worker despite the hard circumstances she's been put in of not understanding the language and being so far away from home. It's so inspiring to watch and makes me want to work hard too. I hope her foot gets better and she can finish her studies at the Bolshoi Academy. Best wishes! :)

[@Adara007]

Joy Womack is described as "ethnically Russian" but one wonders how much, if any, Russian she learnt growing up in Texas. She was the very first American woman to sign a contract with the Bolshoi Ballet. However, since then she has left the Bolshoi and dances for the South Korean ballet company, the Universal Ballet, having left the Bolshoi in 2013 after claiming it was full of corruption and that a director, who she didn't name, had tried to use extortion in exchange for her to dance a solo part in September of 2013. Regardless, at least she did achieve her dream of dancing for the Bolshoi before going on to dance for the Universal Ballet company and as principal dancer no less!

[@dankokovacevic]

Sergei Filin!

[@irinaelcheva3760]

This story brought tears to my eyes. Such a wonderful, beautiful and talented girl with incredible strong soul.

[@TsarOfRuss]

When passion pushes you into painful bliss

[@patriciadudley3414]

Fedor Amuricano qq

[@patriciadudley3414]

Fedor Amuricano

[@TsarOfRuss]

Patricia Dudley yes Honey!

[@leonaltmark2852]

Said like a poet.

[@sarahbeebe5690]

She's absolutely gorgeous, and leaves me in awe. Wow.

[@clemmiemayhew456]

the amount of dedication, perseverance and commitment she has is inspiring

[@barbarajaspersen8482]

She has everything she needs here. beautiful stage presence, absolute grit, stamina. Now she's 27. I hope she is making it!!

[@hbanana7]

this video gave me much strength, although I am studying something completely different in a foreign country. The Russian teachers and classmates aren't the friendliest, but I think that is better than over-dramatized false friendship. They respect her, well-deserved too, since she works her ass off, and they all can see that. That story about her getting the money for her surgery after she went to church is really inspiring.

[@Hella333]

Russians are very warm hearted and friendly once you get to know them. It’s another culture. they only look like European, but they have a completely different mentality and attitude towards life.

[@haha-pw7xx]

​@@Hella333 Strange. I never noticed their warmth heart. A fairy tale for inexperienced foreigners. They sycophant to foreigners, but can't stand their neighbors and indigenous people of their country. Very unpleasant chauvinistic people, if you study them closely

[@mitrovdan]

"Russia calls to me", amazing! Hope you make it Joy.

[@m.h2247]

mitrovdan well now she is a prima ballerina of the Kremlin

[@mitrovdan]

Melody Headburn and???

[@larasofiabgj]

she made it

[@christianealshut1123]

@@m.h2247 She was a first soloist, but she's never been quite honest about the positions she's held (to be charitable, let's assume she was told in Russian she had a certain position and then just mistranslated it).

[@КонстантинКубань-й1о]

@@larasofiabgj I'm sorry, but she can become a Prima ballerina anywhere, but not in Russia.And it's not because she's American

[@adarcus4053]

I have always admired those that are willing to upend their lives to pursue their passion. I think she is a wonderful dancer and I hope life treats you well.

[@roman686]

love her track suit lmao, shes a 100% Russian now

[@dancinmiriam8165]

As an American ballet teacher, and having had teachers from Ceccheti, RAD and Russian backgrounds, it seemed odd that she states she had never been touched by a teacher to correct placement. though I went through a short period of not touching younger students with all the uproar over child abuse in America, I had to finally go back to touching students to correct them - there is really no other way. Incredible 'grit' as one other commenter said! We've all had injuries, and I felt her pain with the story of the broken foot - that is real courage to go back on it. Best to you Joy!

[@SSM654]

Wow. The way she spoke about the pain she felt while performing but regardless she still went out and did it. Amazing. That passion, drive. I hope I get that motivation someday. It’s awe inspiring.

[@lysjanvier]

there's nothing more thrilling than living abroad away from your family in an exciting city, to be young and pursue a career in the arts. i lived in paris on my own to study fine art and had to learn the language from scratch and deal with culture shock, but it was the best time ever

[@ohlouda954]

truly inspiring - i'm not even a dancer

[@GONZALEZJESSA]

so motivating :) no one said going after your dreams was easy or else everyone would be doing it...

[@nevroth]

Oh wow, I have tears in my eyes! What a wonderful opportunity and especially with the donor for her surgery. To be able to reach ones dream- so few of us get too. I'm so happy for her and wish her the best. I'm sure we'll see her name again. And it goes without saying, she makes me a proud American!!

[@bobbymkd457]

A true inspiration for someone like me that did not follow his dreams. When I watch you I feel humble that someone else succeded against the odds. Good luck!

[@voyaristika5673]

This drive, dedication, extreme determination in a teenager is incredible. There has to be something genetic, or spiritual, or whatever in people like her. Something she was born with is guiding her. I think it's fascinating. She is just lovely.

[@ChampagneButterflies]

In Soviet Russia, they dance you.

[@AudreeAdam]

"In Soviet Russia, ballet dances you" would be better. 4 years later.

[@oreos4843]

So in america..... you dance them??

[@froggylegspeople]

Emeebee,..... did you live there during the Soviet times?

[@leonaltmark2852]

This is not about politics it’s about art. Why insert this ugly friction to a beautiful story.

[@BeveC21E]

That's so great. Someone felt her pain and desperation and came through for her. I wish her all the very best ballet has to offer her. Thank you, Russia, for giving her the opportunity she deserves! You can't make us any prouder than we are, for you! Continue improving, Joy! 😂

[@Laura-pq8cs]

You can literally feel her passion. She's amazing.

[@yantingli8651]

I have been instructed by many different teachers before. Chinese and Russian ballet teachers seem straighter than British, American but I find them care much more and more passionate about helping the student improve and doing the little details right. I really thank them and thought I have made the most improvement under their instruction.

[@savannao26]

That's the love of the art. I'm a dancer as well, and I can say I have danced through excruciating pains similar to what she went through. Certainly not so bad I needed surgery, but bad enough. You do it because you love it, and because you have to. Without it, you'd feel incomplete. She's not doing this just to perform, she's doing this to live.

[@daireoshea6107]

What a fabulous girl. Talented brave and determined.

[@marianne3024]

This was such a great story, she is such an incredible dancer!

[@jeanne_guitton]

True: there are harsh physical teachers like that in the US, too. But there are two differences: one, they usually don't teach at that level of perfection. The higher the level, the more difficult and frustrating it is to measure up. And second, in the US, usually not all teachers are like that. When you walk out of that person's class, it's behind you for the day. At the Bolshoi or at Vaganova academy you will be hard pressed to find anyone who is not demanding like that.

[@aturtlethatisred]

My dance teachers were allowed to touch and correct us in the 80s and 90s. It can be very helpful to have hands on correction. I always looked for teachers that yelled, they were the best ones.

[@velveteencherrytart6335]

now THIS is commitment. and at only 15 years old? truly extraordinary.

[@christiepopify]

Wow thats dedication. Brave girl：）

[@HanonVoice]

She's amazing and beautiful. I'm so glad someone paid for her operation! It would be such a shame for this girl who went for her dream to not be able to continue.

[@m.h2247]

They don't touch the children in america ? I would have done so many steps wrong in ballet if my teachers never did it !

[@lauras.8022]

As an American, all my ballet instructors (both Russian and American) made hands-on corrections. I can't imagine having gone through my training without that.

[@bellatrixlovegood5774]

They do in my class, it helps a lot.

[@erinpicken6435]

They do, I suspect her studio was just more conservative because it was in the south

[@abbygailsapp3679]

Melody Headburn Story of my life!!!! I started ballet when I was eleven at a local studio that offers all dance styles and the teacher never touched me for corrections. Then there was a new ballet teacher that came in January of 2018 and she had only ever taught and danced ballet and was a soloist at a ballet company in her youth. (can’t remember which it was!) She touched me and the rest of the class for corrections like in this video! So I took a few privet lessons from her specifically.... and she told me I would have to start from scratch on the technique I had been building for the last four years and stop doing pointe because I had SOOO many bad habits and it was literally all wrong! I was so mad at my original teacher because she did not teach or show us any of that. It literally sucked the joy out of dancing for me: the thought of having to start all over when I was almost fourteen and wanted to be a professional! (At the time that studio was all that was around and was all we could afford.) So I’ve taken a year off now and when we relocate to Colorado I will be joining a real ballet academy! I’ve come to terms with this but I now want it bad enough that I will have to start from the bottom again. And all because my teacher of four years didn’t REALLY teach me ballet. Or pointe! (I started pointe after only 9 months of starting ballet at eleven. Which I now know was not good on my part or the teachers part. Especially since My technique was so bad that I was doing pointe work kind of wrong anyway. But I didn’t know any better you know?

[@ahayes9945]

Isn't that the truth?

[@mohanmansi]

This profession is ruthless

[@atis9061]

I’m proud of her and I don’t even know her! I was too scared to move to NYC and that’s nothing compared to Russia, brava!

[@stonew1927]

I have so much respect for this young lady. To have found her passion, her path in life, and followed her dreams. How many of us can say we've done that? I wish her much success....

[@amarijackson9270]

IM FROM TEXAS finally someone who is from texas without an accent love that representation

[@ylekiote99999]

This is the epidemy of following your dreams. I have been to Russia myself. Not an easy country to live in by any means. The fact that this girl actually moved to Russia to follow her dreams is proof that she has the will to do absolutely anything.

[@annrozhets6562]

As a Russian I'm just ashamed. These are the best dancers in the world, why can't you provide them with better living conditions? Why should they live in the boondocks? What the hell is that??? Of course it was hard for her to go from the civilized country to this hole! I can't understand why the country, where are tons of money can't provide the best ballet dancers with the decent living along with their classess.

[@mariaschwarz94]

Ann Rozhets That is what life for most ballet dancers is like.They get a low pay, they start their careers when they are 17 years old and it ends about 10 years later, then they have to find other means to make a living. Life in ballett is tough, the children need to learn what to expect from their future and not be daydreaming of fame.

[@discontinuedpleasegoaway]

quickquack it's longer than 10 years. Maybe 15 for corpse and soloists, but maybe 20-25 for principles.

[@ellieross6795]

That is the ballet dancer life, which is why I, and many others, choose not to continue. Unless you're a principal dancer at a recognized company, pay is low and many people continue with another profession after several years. It's definitely not an easy path, few people earn a good living and to be a professional dancer, you need to enjoy what you do.

[@bibipriell6322]

shame on you ,you need pray for Putin and what he doing for you

[@ammm-wq2mz]

Ann Rozhets Это уже старый фильм.)

[@beignet2012]

Her strong will and determination is VERY impressive and a true testament to the human spirit.

[@mariegeorge8833]

ballet is so tough and she's such a lovely dancer and i'm so glad she got the lead role.

[@jeantave8562]

Joy, you are amazing! Stay there and don't give up! Texas never changes you can come back 20 yrs later and it will be exactly the same, it never evolves. You are too talented. Follow your heart.

[@Phillissy]

That is the life of a performer. In professional ballet if you turn down a spot you will never be asked again. You do whatever you have to, and you dance through anything.

[@elviradonaghy5422]

She deserves it. She loves it and worked so hard for it. She suffered much for it. Left her family, her country, she loves so much to attain her goal to be a dancer and graduate from the Bolshoi Ballet. God bless her and her wonderful family. God bless her benefactors and teachers and God bless her teachers and fellow dancers.

[@annao1307]

Strong spirit and determination. As a Russian: I am proud of you, Joy!

[@MrIvanhoe53]

... Being so young and having a courage to travel alone across the world to the unknown country . I understand how hard it must be for you--- being so far from home, leaving behind your loved ones and the life you knew...Dear Joy, you are an amazing girl! A girl with a Dream! May all your wishes come true! And may God bless you and your path, dear child!

[@kthananan]

She's a big inspiration to keep on fighting for the dream. Standing ovation!!

[@Balletlover777]

She came to teach my ballet class!! She’s absolutely wonderful

[@VampsAreLovee]

Congrats Joy! She was accepted into the company and made history as THE first American to ever join the company

[@DMarie0824]

This brought me to tears. What a strong woman. I look up to her. She is incredible, just incredible!

[@melvina628]

Ballet injuries and joint pains are commonplace in ballet all over the world, even in America. It's just like a football injury; it's expected and endured.

[@Balletlove282]

you can hear the immense passion in her voice. It's incredible!

[@barbaraobach]

Her determination to follow her dreams of dancing in Russia, in spite of the pains to achieve her goals, is admirable

[@heyhayley6]

awww I know Joy and she is the sweetest, most driven girl I have ever met! She deserves everything she has gotten and I know she will go far

[@frederickwong3964]

Is it weird that I knew every single ballet piece (Musically wise, teachers can change choreography) I loved that they played my favorite Kitri variation!!

[@katherinebodkin118]

no! not at all!! I'm right there with you! I knew all the songs too

[@highflyingadoredx]

That is how much it takes. I really really admire her.

[@gordonackerman4105]

This report seems to give the erroneous impression that Joy is fifteen. She hasn't been fifteen in a long time. She is a marvelous ballerina, a jewel. She wisely quit the Bolshoi when she was asked to pay a bribe to get major roles. Her husband, or former husband, is Russian, she speaks Russian, she may have Russian as well as American nationality.

[@makORmalonek]

+Gordon Ackerman Back then she actually was fifteen and she's not married anymore.

[@gordonackerman4105]

+Malonek. Thanks. I didn't think the marriage would last, it seemed flawed from the start - they tried settling in Texas, her home, but apparently it didn't work - he never learned English and probably had no employment possibilities. I hope she's OK now. She's back in Moscow with a smaller company, is that correct?

[@gordonackerman4105]

+Malonek. What happened to the boy, Julian MacKay, the other young American at the Bolshoi?

[@makORmalonek]

I think he dances at the Royal Opera House.

[@makORmalonek]

+Gordon Ackerman Oh, I didn't know about the Texas thing. She now dances at the Kremlin Ballet and is a leading soloist (or something like that rank) there. I believe it is a smaller company than the Bolshoi but still rather a big one. She posts (almost) daily vlogs on her youtube channel (Joy Womack).

[@KnightenGaile]

I don't even know her and I am so proud for her representing at the Bolshoi. She is absolutely stunning and so talented. Bravo. She's absolutely incredible and a true example of hard work and making dreams come true.

[@iamjani]

I am really touched by this story.

[@katemackenzy5296]

Good for you, what an amazing journey and how brave you were to immerse yourself in a foreign country all by yourself. Best wishes for much success.

[@EllaNewman-ze2tz]

She is at Paris Opera Ballet now. She moved because of the war between Ukraine and Russia.

[@simone56689]

she left russia before the war??

[@ballet2558]

She is not POB ballet member. She lied on social medias. She only got a fixed term contract for few weeks to replaced some dancers for the Balanchine ballet show. Her contract ended. Now she doesn’t belong to any ballet company

[@katashley1031]

She left Russia just about when the war in Ukraine began. Her career seems to have stalled a bit.

[@QueenBlond]

Wow, I have so much respect for her. She sounds so mature as well

[@brokendoll027]

She have full of courage and love for ballet!!

[@smithoma]

I've been an expat in many countries over the last 10 years, and there is little I miss in the US as new experience overcomes.......most. But she is right. I don't know why. Out of all the holidays, it is not Christmas, or New Years, or my Birthday (I'm getting old), but Thanksgiving for some reason is the one holiday I really miss.

[@marcolezama7000]

What an amazing video!!! I know what it is like to move to a foreign country and not to speak the language and work hard for your goals, miss your family and friends, your culture, struggle to get ahead; but it pays off. Please do not give up. Chase your dreams, give them all you got

[@tiernanwearen8096]

Huge respect for the artists who make these amazing performances happen

[@harmoniabalanza]

We do our American youth such a disservice raising them as we do. It's a crying shame, and we are rapidly falling in the world. All because we are so arrogant and ignorant of the world's cultures and history. She's an exception in her honest quest.

[@iamellie1175]

+harmoniabalanza indeed

[@exaudi33]

Beautifully stated, harmoniabalanza, and so very true.

[@AmandaFromWisconsin]

harmoniabalanza - Not all Americans.

[@ophrim]

harmoniabalanza very wise comment. And you’re wise comment also proves how many Americans are judged unfairly 💙 because a lot of them do now about other cultures.

[@kathymyers7279]

All because we are ignorant of other cultures? What utter bullcrap.

[@pennyK551]

Wonderful girl! So brave, so strong to give up everything she knew to pursue her dream. So faithful and So very talented. This lovely girl deserves all the success possible- I hope she makes it to prima ballerina of the Bolshoi.

[@jewelmarkess]

The video is from 2010...Here is more about her: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy_Womack

[@lindaharrison3240]

Love this girl. Talk about having heart!

[@cosettebliss6930]

She is incredible, such determination, she must have been in so much pain, yet she pushed through thats what you call true passion for the art

[@ShelbyVonBusch]

Someone from my ballet studio is now dancing at Bolshoi as well!!!

[@jennyjones7054]

I give her so much credit of hanging in there. She dances like a natural.

[@HereForTheShips]

Wow, her story is an inspiration for me, such a HUGE inspiration, I mean, in my case, I really want to go to the United States to study in a University there, not ballet, but the Asian Languages. As a matter of fact, I'm super afraid inside of leaving my family behind, since I have never even been on a plane before. I admire this girl and I wish I had her courage and strenght and drive (and talent too! hehe) :)

[@ajimenez1719ify]

Wow! Just "wow" is all I can say. This young lady, that had never even spoken Russian, decided to go and learn the language, and relocate to Russia and learn from the best ballet school on the planet, all while only being 15 years old. What a determined young lady. An exquisite dancer as well. I can only imagine how she must have felt, training day after day, in a strange place, with strangers, and having them all talk about her bc she couldn't understand them very well. And that injury must have been horrific. Takes a strong person to do what she has done at such a young age especially.

[@Grace-wh8ky]

"you messed it up" literally me

[@n.k.s74]

I don't know what it is because I am not proficient in the language of ballet, but there is a distinct difference between Russian trained ballet dancers and American trained ballet dancers. One is graceful athleticism. The other is pure grace in motion. Both are lovely but one is just more gentle and fluid and the other is more power-based. I find the gentle, fluid grace of the Russian trained dancers more pleasing to the eye.

[@CJ-mn6iw]

Wow it's hard to think of a class where the teacher hasn't physically moved me into place. Sometimes they ask sometimes they don't ha, but I thought that was normal across the board. How else do u know what it's supposed to feel like? Anyways that aside, she's so mature I can't imagine doing that at 15!!!

[@otter999ful]

This is great to hear. I wish her all the best!

[@pukinooki]

she is amazing and she is not extremly thin like most of ballerinas, i think I've watched to much of vaganova academh where all girls look pre-fabricated, here its different.

[@gracethome6959]

B__K__Y right, her body was strong and slender but also softer around the edges. some people would look at it as a bad body for ballet, which is crazy. i personally think it makes the lines look more graceful and elegant~

[@CrumbsFreed]

She got the lead role in the academy performance and is now a member of the Bolshoi Ballet Company ... what an inspiration!

[@iamellie1175]

She has a youtube channel. She daily vlogs and shows her dancing its called Joy WomackI love her so much

[@kayamiller7464]

I live in arlington, texas and I love ballet and dance in any form. She's good