FAMOUS BALLERINAS YOU NEED TO KNOW (and why they're great) | Ballet Reign

[@karenjones9961]

Svetlana Zakharova = Total control. Natalia Osipova = Aerial and dramatic. Marianela Nunez = Genius technician. Tyler Peck = POWER BALANCHINE. Fumi Kaneko = Elegance personified.

[@balletreign]

LOVE THIS 🤩🤩

[@oxoelfoxo]

two words is more complete haha

[@brassitaschannel-tu5yw]

Exaaactly!! 3 of them in London. London, 2024 here I come even if I go broke doing it!

[@moiraruff3292]

​@@brassitaschannel-tu5yw As is Akane Takada - check out her Sugar Plum Fairy.

[@amywaves80s]

❤Svetlana in Giselle is so lovely kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5WUpKGldquoY6csi=iogcc_OF8AIrAkYH

[@Loweene_Ancalimon]

I have a friend who did/does some work as a pianist at the ROH. About two years back or so I got an ecstatic text from them needing to yell to someone that "omg omg omg Natalia Osipova said at the end of the rehearsal that she wished she could always have me as a pianist in her rehearsals". That she'd thanked them very heartily for being such a great rehearsal pianist. It's a full job, very different from being a pianist in another context, and they were so fucking happy they were good enough that after six months at the ROH Osipova would pay them such a compliment. She just seems to be such a genuinely great person !

[@balletreign]

Awww that’s so special!! Thanks for sharing that! 🤩🤩 we absolutely ADORE ballet accompanists so much, wish we had them for every class and rehearsal and we so appreciate everything they do ✨✨

[@satanoJ]

Cuteee!!!

[@gonefishing167]

How wonderful for her, but I do agree. I tend to always add the pianists in the compliments at the end of a comment, they work so hard. I agree, someone of Osipova’s rank to think to stop to thank her. I’d be stoked 👍👍🩰🩰🩰🩰🩰👵🇦🇺

[@Loweene_Ancalimon]

@@gonefishing167 My friend isn't a woman, the only time I used she in my comment was to talk about Osipova ;) but yes, she seems to be a truly wonderful person to work with, from what I've seen. A great artist.

[@cathyharrison1181]

My favourite thing about Nela is the sheer joy she shows on her face when she’s dancing- it never fails to make me smile! 🩰🥰

[@balletreign]

It’s just perfectttt ✨💕🤩

[@g5rearea]

There's a recording of a rehearsal for Balanchine's Jewels where the instructor stops for a moment to comment that everyone can't help but smile because Nela just exudes "joy of the dance".

[@susanmartin3762]

Arms do it for me. Legs can be pretty standard but the dancers who have what i call "liquid arms" just melt me.

[@DudeEM]

I was going to comment about this to share about my favorite Ballerina: Ulyana Lopatkina. She’s the only Ballerina whose performance made me gasp. Why? Those arms and fingers of hers. Nobody could do the “Dying Swan like her. I only breathed 4 times during her entire performance.

[@julijepp]

​@DudeEM Lopatkina is absolutely wonderful, I so wish I could've seen her perform. I saw the documentary on here "BALLERINA" uploaded by stella mikhail and Lopatkina is featured, there's a clip of her warming up alone in a studio and students peering in to watch and admire her, rightfully so, she embodies poise and elegance and makes it look effortless

[@patrickgallagher3513]

Osipova is different every time you see her. The steps are the steps but because she IS the story, it's always nuanced slightly differently. And that is stunning because she seems to draw more out of everyone on stage as well - just by being her brilliant self.

[@valeriemuller3633]

I would have added Maria Khoreva. She is perfection in person.

[@mercury826]

A clip of Fumi rehearsing as Oddette used to live rent free in my head for months. the characterization of her arms and head alone when she did her mime scene just blew me away. just the way she really committed to embody a swan instead of settling for just graceful was so inspiring to me. she was one of the people that really kept my love of ballet alive during a time when I was super burnt out and also opened my eyes to just how different people dance even in a genre as seemingly ridged as classical ballet.

[@balletreign]

Awww that is so wonderful and inspiring!🥹🥹 keep doing what ur doing with all ur heart, you’ll never know how many lives you’re changing ❤️

[@KomaedasOneTrueHope]

As a black ballet student Michaela Deprince and Misty Copeland☺️ they actually show me that a black woman CAN be an amazing Ballerina. We need to see more Ballerina’s of color☺️

[@Simon-vt1zp]

Wakonda Forever 💙

[@kiaraeijo]

I would check out Lauren Anderson who was Principal Dancer of the Houston Ballet and the late Raven Wilkinson who danced with the Ballet Russe

[@SkylarLux]

Precious Adams from English National Ballet is also great!

[@TheNextDoorNeighboor]

R.I.P. Michaela DePrince❤

[@imperialbeautee]

Not sure if the Asian community really cares about that 🙄 lol. Not surprised Misty Copeland wasn't mentioned.

[@Emmareads15]

Just saw Marianela yesterday opening up the RB season with Don Q, and yes, you've hit on everything she does. She's so generous to the audience and the corps and everyone around her, she's interacting with Don Q as she's doing the Kitri variation, or she's winking over to the matadors, she's so active but not in an over the top way or a way where it seems like acting. Her technique and dance, perfection, if anything she was better than ever last night. Also adore Fumi, a real highlight from this year was seeing her Lilac Fairy to Marianela's Sleeping Beauty. Such a ballet treat!

[@balletreign]

Omg so glad u could relateee. She’s such a joy to watch 🤩. Ur so lucky to have seen both Marianela and Fumi this year!! Thanks for sharing ur insights and experience ✨👍🏻😁

[@Emmareads15]

@@balletreign She's just so easy to watch, you relax because you just feel she's got it all handled and you can sit back and enjoy. It was a real highlight seeing them share the stage (they also did in Cinderella, which was also a delight, but SB was just a level above) and a true privilege we have such beautiful dancers here in London to enjoy.

[@philzmusic8098]

You can see Marianela rehearsing Tchaikovsky PDD with Reece Clarke, and when she is on the side of the stage not dancing, she's looking at Reece doing his solo and smiling in admiration. That's so beautiful!

[@tarantellalarouge7632]

how lucky you are, I think that her interpretation of Kitri is one of the best, most joyful, I had ever seen

[@Emmareads15]

@@tarantellalarouge7632 She was, just absolute joy mixed with that perfect technique! She was having a ball on the stage and I felt very lucky to have seen such an amazing performance (although I do feel this every time I see Nela perform, she is just breathtaking)

[@W4d._.00]

I'm adding Maria khoreva, literally perfect in every sense of the world

[@balletreign]

Yessss 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@LolaBalletAndFigureSkate]

Maria Khoreva would've been my pick, with Svetlana and Natalia. Can't compete with Russian technique and lines. I miss my times studying ballet in Russia.

[@DudeEM]

Dangit!!! You beat me to it. All I can say about Maria Khoreva is ballet standard body perfection: - perfect lines where her neck gives the illusion of bypassing the shoulders to produce continuity with her deltoids - hyperextended tibia where her knees seem to be slightly bent backwards and to top (or bottom) it off, a thin calf, seemingly continuous with her ankle to end with a prominent calcaneus and hyperextended foot arch while en-pointe. She was her Vaganova instructors’ dream student as even instructors would take your anatomy on account while choosing the center girl, who, is nearly always guaranteed a place in the Mariinsky after graduation. To top everything off. She’s not only drop dead gorgeous up close but also on stage. 😊

[@katiefulton9456]

Zakharova & Núñez - assolutas different but absolute perfection & unmatched in every regard.

[@katiefulton9456]

I saw Zakharova dance Giselle with Bolshoi & partnered by David Hallberg at the Kennedy Center in 2014 or 2015? I have a photo taken with her. Best night of my entire life.

[@balletreign]

Wowwww what a privilege!! That is def a night to remember ✨✨✨

[@victorialy7039]

A dancer that is less talked about that I really love is Diana Vishneva. Watching her Giselle absolutely melted my heart, her dancing has such a softness yet expressiveness. I wish there are more footages of her dancing 🥹

[@balletreign]

She’s such a beautiful dancer!! We love her sm ✨✨✨

[@JohnSmith-ei2pm]

@victoria. I like her too. She is absolutely marvellous as the Firebird.

[@Zentropy8]

Vishneva is my absolute favorite. She has that astounding Vaganova/Marinsky technique but what makes her exquisite is the breathtaking, expressive way she moves. She’s so much more than an accomplished technician. She oozes art. I was getting bored with ballet until I discovered her. Watching her heals my soul.

[@yuyu246]

absolutely agrees

[@emanuelebabici]

These are ballerinas that made ballet history, she shaped my journey in ballet. Svetlana was my first big inspiration, the first ballerina I really came across to, followed by Natalia Osipova and then Marianela. They are with no doubt icons of the 2000s, that set the standards for the entire following generation. I had then the luck to watch a gala in Rome where Tiler Peck danced Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux and I was MESMERIZED! She hit me with her unbelievable technique, musicality and art, definitely an icon of modern Balanchine ballet. I had the honour to attend Fumi Kaneko's Aurora premiere as she jumped in very lasy minute, and I loved her, but I do consider her already belonging to a new generation of ballerinas that are inspiring young dancers and on their way to become such legends. I'm not saying Fumi doesn't deserve to be in this list, I just think she goes together with other dancers and still hasn't reached the peek of her career, which is soon to come. Maybe I would have put Aurelie Dupont or Sylvie Guillem even tho they aren't dancing nowadays, just because they were legends that represent another part of ballet world such as the Paris Opera. Maybe Fumi Kaneko would fit perfectly in a list of upcoming ballet legends, while all other ballerinas mentioned are already established icons (Svetlana was even given the title of prima ballerina assoluta). Maybe a honourable mention to Iana Salenko, she has also stolen many hearts. It would be amazing to also see a list of male dancers (I can see Bolle, Sarafanof, Simkin, Muntagirov, Acosta...) and a list of ballerinas from last century that made history (such as Carla Fracci, Marcia Haydee, Darcy Brussel, Elisabeth Platel, Maja Plisetskaja...)!!!

[@gabrielaseveriano8042]

I think they tried to focus on active dancers, otherwise Sylvia Guillem would be mandatory in such a list and maybe Alessandra Ferri too. I know they still dance, but they’re not principal dancers with any company anymore..

[@balletreign]

Loved hearing ur thoughts! Thank you! You can def look forward for the male dancer and historical dancer editions 👍🏻👍🏻

[@emanuelebabici]

​​@@balletreign🥰 you two are doing awesome here

[@emanuelebabici]

​@@gabrielaseveriano8042yes you're probably right, actually I didn't think about Alessandra Ferri but she fits the list. Maybe this is a transitioning moment in which some of the older dancers are retiring and new ones are coming, for example also Zakharova is on her way to retire and as far as I know she stopped dancing full length classical ballets with Bolshoi. I just think maybe in 50 years looking back at ballet history all the Ballerinas I mentioned would be grouped together with Sylvie Guillem and Alessandra Ferri, as part of a specific period in which ballet had a major shift in style amd technique. Perhaps Marianela could be considered the most avanguardist, meaning she's the one that mostly blends in with the new generation imo, and I think that's also because right now she's probably the biggest model for the new generations. So yeah at the moment I also see Silvie and Alessandra as part of the past, but I do think they have more in common with Zakharova than Plisetskaja just to mention a few names

[@melenatorr]

@@balletreign So glad to hear that - the old-time historian in me felt hackles rise when the term "all time" was used for these wonderful contemporary dancers. When I think all time, my mind goes far back, and feel that we need to acknowledge the dancers who came before this decade, and without whom the roles, the technique, the very respect for ballet, wouldn't be.

[@BlackCanary87]

I'll always be fond of Darcy Bussell. I was lucky enough to see her in her final production with the Royal Ballet in 2005, Sylvia.

[@balletreign]

Darcy was an absolute legend!! U were so lucky to see her perform 🤩

[@themikaylashow1987]

I took love Darcy, being a British girl

[@julijepp]

What an opportunity! I can only imagine how thunderous the applause must've been ❤

[@katelynne7211]

My favorites are Nina Ananiashvili (superb port de bras), Alina Cojocaru (soft and graceful with excellent control), Nina Kaptsova (exquisitely her own), and Natalia Osipova (high energy that’s so addictive to watch, I saw her Sleeping Beauty live and yes her stage presence is no joke). For solo variation I also like Marianela Nunez’s Kitri and Aurelia Dupont’s Tchaikovsky PDD.

[@balletreign]

Love this! Beautifully described 👍🏻✨💕

[@stephaniecruvant9130]

Great list!!

[@queenvictoria738]

Came down here to mention Alina!

[@glenyshill72]

Natalia Makarova Natalia Besmertnova Nina Kaptsova Maria Almeida

[@glenyshill72]

............. Vivianna Durante Lyudmila Semenyaka

[@isabelaandzico]

Performing a Balanchine ballet requires mastery of musicality because Mr B always emphasized that the music 🎼 and the dance should be equal partners. I performed a few Balanchine’s ballets and the company has to host someone from his foundation to preserve his legacy. Gelsey Kirkland was my coach and it was a welcome challenge for me, a professional ballerina trained in Moscow.

[@balletreign]

Wow what a privilege! Balanchine ballets are def a challenge but very fun to dance.

[@juanmanuelgranadosdavila4984]

Legendary prima ballerina are Alicia Alonso, Maya Plisétskaya, Margot Fontein, Alessandra Ferri, Natalia Makarova, etc.

[@balletreign]

Definitely!! ✨💕

[@martinfitzgerald6705]

Osipova in Giselle, especially in the ‘white’ act, is supremely ethereal …

[@balletreign]

Absolutelyyy 🤩🤩

[@ginabataille1796]

Svetlana Zakharova is the Quattrocento. Her beauty is the Early Renaissance. She is art itself.

[@mjgbabydragonlet]

I would add Diana Vishneva and Sarah Lamb to this...but I am biased. Vishneva, occupied every role I witnessed her dance. Sarah Lamb is stunning, especially in the tragic roles (ie Mayerling or Manon). Thanks for sharing your list!

[@balletreign]

Very true!! 💯💯💯

[@emanuelebabici]

Mh I'd say those ballet queens had just an enormous impact on the international public that's just incomparable. I do although love and respect Diana Vishneva a lot, and I think she fully deserves to make it to this list, if not for the fact that she just isn't as iconically known by everyone as much as the others (shame in my opinion, but facts). Sarah Lamb is lovely, but also doesn't have the same resonance as the others. Same for Fumi actually, I think she might in a few years but she's still at the beginning of her career. Even tho she's retired for long, I do consider Sylvie Guillem more fitting to the list, just because of how iconic she is, and a honourable mention for Iana Salenko.

[@feliciacoffey6832]

Sarah Lamb in Mayerling!!! So intense! So fearless!! I love her!!!

[@daphnegeorge7481]

So glad you chose Nella and spoke so warmly about her artistry!❤

[@balletreign]

She is so wonderful to watch! 🤩

[@jackiecartwright9343]

Natalia is my fave, for sure! Such beauty and grace, embodiment of what draws me to ballet. Goosebumps and tears:)

[@lyndahillyer5651]

My favuourite and adored ballerina since Fonteyn and Sibley is Alina Cojocaru - for her great sensivity and musicality. Osipova’s Act 11 Giselle is very extraordinary. It was a revolutionary interpretation. So visceral and so expressive. You felt she knew she was doomed to exist in this terrible world of the Wilis for eternity. When she first did the role with Acosta in 2014, I think, all reviews gave her 5 stars. I have been watching ballet for nearly 60 years . . . . . I came to London when I ws eighteen solely to watch Fonteyn and Nureyev . . . .

[@sedekiman824]

Fonteyn and Nureyev, the perfect partnership. I was luckily enough to see them in, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty. So much more to being a dancer than technique. And they had it!

[@mantawhalienmind]

I love Iana Salenko. The fact that she is 40, mother of 3 children and still dances like an angel is astonishing.

[@balletreign]

She’s literally incredible ✨✨✨

[@Happysewist]

I love your presentation in all your commentaries- how both of you free associate, not requiring a script. Your knowledge and love for this beautiful art is truly inspiring. Thank you.

[@earthlingphilosophy3531]

A prima who retired but is my favorite dancer is Sylvie Guillem to me no one beats her lines, power, or personal character

[@МаринаКостюк-ч4п]

Totally agree. This video should have begun with her. Then goes Natalia in my opinion. And then there are the rest. Zakharova, Nunes, and so on

[@olaposuszna6425]

My absolute favourite has to be Maya Plisetskaya - the emotions, the technique - simply chef's kiss. As for more recent dancers I adore Renata Shakirova, Ulyana Lopatkina and Viktoria Tereshkina.

[@balletreign]

All of them are beauties 💕

[@h34rt1lly]

fumi kaneko is one of my favorite dancers right now. she's so graceful and fluid, and her lines are to die for. her facial expressions are also so, so sweet and easy to connect with??

[@gingerballerina123]

Polina Semionova was my first ballet love. She'll always be in my heart, but Nela takes the cake always. You should do male ballet dancers now!!! (PS love the content you make❤)

[@balletreign]

Totally agree 🙌🏻. Male edition coming soon! Thank u so much, love having u here ✨💕

[@LazyDaisyDay88]

So glad you included Fumi - she's one of my favourites. You two should host some of the World Ballet Day videos! Excellent work.

[@balletreign]

Thanks for watching! Check out this video where we talked about WBD :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXu7lmyGqbSpatUsi=hXI1SRLSU10Ks3m2

[@janjakolenc7634]

love LOVE LOVE !! this. I am a life-long fan of ballet (never a dancer) and I appreciate the two of you explaining things so even non-dancers can understand. You are definitely my favorite ballet youtubers. Funny, knowledgeable, loving and diving into all aspects of ballet (music, costumes...). I wish you all the best and to grow your channel and make many, many more of such awesome content 💜🩰

[@balletreign]

Omg this made our day!! Thank you so much, we’re so happy you enjoy our channel and that it’s helpful to you. Keep Ballet-Nerdinggg 🤩🤓💕

[@curiousman1672]

I don't know if these are related, but when Jordan spoke of MN's balance, for years I've really marveled at her aplomb, in the Cecchettian sense. Her physical centeredness is just wild. There's a really popular (views) footage of her doing Black Swan and she never falls out of her aplomb/balance/centeredness.........never waivers. All of your picks make it look so effortless. Well done.

[@balletreign]

Absolutelyyy she’s mastered it 🙌🏻🙌🏻🤩🤩

[@ChayatsujiKimono]

100% Fumi Kaneko! 😍One ballerina I watched when I started out with ballet was Gillian Murphy. Maybe it's the fiery red hair but her Odette & Odile 🤑

[@balletreign]

Gillian is a beautiful artist!! We watched her a lot growing up too 🤩🤩

[@leilazerrouki7040]

If you like wonderful ballerinas with red hair Ekaterina Kondaurova of the Mariinsky is a great great great one! A video of her Swan lake is available on youtube!

[@alexknollys9009]

I saw Marianela in Don Q the other day and didn’t plan on it but I waited at the stage door, everyone had things for her to sign and all I had on me was a copy of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - I now feel it’s my obligation to see her six more times with six more potter books to complete the set 😂 favourite ballet dancer of all time :))

[@balletreign]

Haha that’s so funny! Marianela is a fantastic Kitri, you’re lucky you got to watch her and get a signing from her! 😁😁

[@twatts1523]

You girls are too cute! Thanks,for,the fantastic video❤

[@hollyhobgoblin8838]

Ever since I began living in England a few years ago, I've been taking every chance I get to visit the Royal Opera House for both opera and ballet. I was going to see Osipova as Kitri next week, but got an email saying that she's sustained an injury and is taking time off to recuperate (Mayara Magri is subbing for her.) Somewhat disappointed with the news, but I would rather she take care of herself so she can keep doing her art for as long as possible!

[@balletreign]

Ur so lucky to go see the RB! Prayers for both of them for recovery and a successful show! 😌❤️

[@gonefishing167]

Oh, I,would be heartbroken but agree health comes first. 🩰🩰🩰👵🇦🇺

[@IAccioSnitches]

Great selection. I'm a big big fan of the Royal Ballet myself. I live in Spain but I go to London very often just to see them perform. Seeing Nela as Kitri in a couple of weeks, can't wait ❤

[@balletreign]

Lucky you! Always a privilege to watch RB live. Enjoy the performance!! 😁😁

[@input4717]

I do have a ticket for Nela as Kitri in a couple of weeks, too. It will be the first time for me seeing her live. Sooo excited, definitely can`t wait!! ❤

[@IAccioSnitches]

@@input4717 omg, you are going to love her. She is mesmerising live!

[@input4717]

@@IAccioSnitches I allready love Nela watching videos of her dancing. But your comment makes me even more excited. 🤩 In particulare because my ticket is orchestra stalls row A!!! So as close as possible to the stage. Enjoy your Nela Kitri performance!

[@IAccioSnitches]

@@input4717 WOW. That's going to be amazing! I have pretty good tickets too, front row of the balcony, but of course not as good as yours. Enjoy every single second!

[@DaveCalungsod]

I want to see their fav prima and their reason for it, can't wait for another ExQuIsItE ballet nerding later

[@balletreign]

Can’t wait!! See y’all soon 😉😉

[@RSPerez]

As a Londoner I’m incredibly privileged to watch the Royal Ballet perform very often. I never get tired of these incredible dancers

[@bettymaines6305]

And I am sooo jealous. I seen royal ballet 3 times and it was incredible all 3 times. Such a fabulous company

[@balletreign]

You are so lucky to bask in the talent of these dancers on the regular! ✨✨

[@EvilSnips]

For me, I think they are each an epitome of one role. Zakarova: Odette/Odile Osipova: Giselle Nunez: Kitri Kaneko: Aurora I don't know Tiler Peck as well so I can't say for her, but if anyone has suggestions!

[@balletreign]

You nailed it 👏🏻👏🏻 We love Tiler in Tchaikovsky pas and fascinating rhythm from who cares!

[@hensku.3000]

I loooove Nela’s expressiveness. She always looks like she’s having the time of her life dancing and that’s what I want to bring into my own dancing too

[@magdazul5543]

Nela is just breathtaking❤ and i also love Fumiko, its so beauty

[@balletreign]

They’re both stellar ✨🤩

[@felicity1877]

I absolutely agree with your choice of the three ballerina queens, I have to admit that I was always more fascinated by the past ladies of ballet...Galina Ulanova, Maya Plisetskaya, Margot Fonteyn, Moira Shearer, Beryl Grey...(before my time, of course (;) Somehow I'm also someone who would also not get to the obvious choices. Perhaps because I'm not so much focusing on technical skills, but because I love more expression and performance...and I love these vintage ballet movies (;

[@balletreign]

Thank you for sharing ur favorite dancers! 😄😄

[@glenyshill72]

@felicity 1877 Jane Seymour Jennifer Penney

[@glenyshill72]

...... * correction - Lynn Seymour

[@leoswift6938]

Yes to all of them 😍 I’ll finally be able to see Nela, Natalia, Fumi next year when they have Manon and Swan Lake in their repertoire!

[@balletreign]

AAAAGGGHH so lucky!! That’s going to be amazing 🤩

[@gonefishing167]

Wow! So jealous, enjoy 🩰🩰🩰🩰🙏🙏👵🇦🇺

[@redfrag9607]

Golly, that blooper was soooooooo entertaining! 💯% agree with your selections.

[@balletreign]

LOL thanks 🤣🤣 we promise we know English 😅

[@emmysparks7307]

I love nela and fumi and im a big fan of Akane takada as well!!!! Also tiler peck is brilliant and so is Isabella Boyleston. You chose such amazing ballerinas to showcase!!!

[@balletreign]

Akane and Isabella are GORGEOUS dancers!! Thank you for mentioning them. Glad u enjoyed the vid 😁😁

[@brit1583]

Fabulously done girls. There are so many one could add. And I wonder if you could do a male dancer video? I love Nela and am lucky to have seen her. Fumi and Mayara are new favourites of mine at RB . Wish I had seen Osipova. All fantastic and so different.

[@balletreign]

We’d love to do a male dance edition! Stay tuned 😉. Thanks for being with us today! 😁😁

[@malousmom9231]

Natalia and Tyler are thrilling…the others are perfection incarnate, esp. Nunez. Love them all!

[@dianacarrillo23]

I love this channel. Thank you for the commentary and the information. We truly enjoy it. We also would like to add Maria Khoreva to the list 🤩

[@balletreign]

Agreed! And thank youuu we’re so glad u enjoy our channel!! ☺️

[@emanuelebabici]

I think it should be fair to separate established legends like Zakharova, Nunez, Osipova and Peck from upcoming legends like Kaneko, Khoreva, Brown and many others. Kaneko and Khoreva were just promoted principles not long ago and still have a long way to grow, while the other four are experienced stars at the end of their careers. Not saying any is better or worse, they're just at different points in their paths and also in my opinion represent different generations of dancers

[@lilianaisella]

"I picked at age two" - Eden . Loved your selection. It's such a hard one but you nailed it. I would love to see your favorite ballerinas of the previous generations too. Or, the super new ones, the up and coming.

[@balletreign]

Yes! 😂 Thanks for watching and for your suggestions ♥️💗

[@mermaidopulence8539]

Absolutely love Tiler Pech and we both are Balanchine dancers so thats amazing. However I am kinda sad that Misty Copeland wasn't on the lineup. She has been a huge inspiration for me as a young black dancer who has faced discrimination in the ballet world. She made me feel seen and validated when others didn't. My one word to describe Misty Copeland is "Inspiring".

[@balletreign]

You have many Balanchine role models; Tiler Peck, but also Megan Fairchild, Ashley Bouder, Sara Mearns and so many more! Misty is a fabulous dancer, you described her well ✨🙌🏻

[@mermaidopulence8539]

@@balletreign yes indeed

[@isabelaandzico]

Sveta, and Ulyana before her, have been my inspiration in my career because I have extremely long arms and legs and hyper mobility so attaining control of my body has always been a priority. Being hyper flexible is all fun and games until you have to brace your core for multiple turns/balance/petit allegro. I’m thankful to all my coaches who give me parts to challenge my weaknesses. Adagio, jumping downstage on a raked stage are a dream but I’ll never forget finding out I was promoted and would not be doing the trio of Precious Stones, but the soloist Diamond Fairy (that precise and quick footwork made me appreciate and excel at speed) in Sleeping Beauty… love this video 🇵🇹🇧🇷🩰👏🏻🫶🏻

[@minissa2009]

I appreciate what you're saying because I was the opposite: strong, but had to fight for every degree of flexibility. What company are you with? Congrats {or merde?} on the promotion {assuming this was recent?} Yes, a lot of people see someone like Sveta who is naturally crazy flexible and thing she has it made, not knowing how important immaculate core strength is to using that flexibility well.

[@silviacosta9164]

I love them all, but as an argentine I am so proud of Marianela Nuñez and Ludmila Pagliero, that I think is also one of the ballet stars of this time. I have recently find your channel and I am really enjoying it! Well done!

[@lisebetta]

Carla Fracci in Giselle... chef's kiss... just haunting perfection!

[@kristenjohnson6583]

I haven't watched many performances of Tyler Peck or Fumi Kaneko, but for the first three ballerinas you mentioned, my words to describe them all start with "E": Svetlana Zakharova - Elegant; Natalia Osipova - Energetic; Marianela Nunez - Engaging. I agree w you about Osipova's jumps. Equally impressive for me are her turns. That lady could do 32 fouettes in her sleep!

[@balletreign]

Perfect words to describe these ballerinas! Def recommend watching Tyler and Fumi 🤩🤩

[@kabardinka1]

But Osipova is a lot more than her energy or huge jump, technique and ballon, most of all, she's an incredible actor. This is something so many current ballerinas are lacking.

[@micheledix2616]

​@kabardinka1 totally agree that often technique ' brilliance' takes preference above being a great actor too.

[@markusjenkner442]

My list is 1. Victoria Tereshkina 2. Diana Vishneva 3. Svetlana Zacharova 4. Altynai Asylmuratova 5. Ulyana Lopatkina 6. Natalia Makarova 7. Marianela Núez 8. Natalia Osipova 9. Olga Smirnova 10. Nino Ananiaschwili But in the end it doesn't matter. Because ballet is an art and there should be no competition for better or worse

[@ritapessano1292]

Paloma Herrera ?

[@Avanell]

Oh, I miss that with balances...when you master enough to know you don't need to keep going. You KNOW you can keep going. Balancing was one of my specialties. Loved the video!!! Thanks for introducing me to Nunez!!!

[@balletreign]

Thank you we’re so glad you enjoyed and that we could introduce you to these ballerinas! ✨✨

[@BelleRufus_]

natalia's fouettes are out of this world, from a very young age on, she mastered that coordination, balance and strength perfectly! flames of paris has to be one of the most impressive roles she's done, all the jumps and turn...

[@balletreign]

Couldn’t agree more!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@SarahHope883]

omg you chose my 5 favourite dancers of current times! Have seen them all live (except Tiler- one day!) and they are all absolutely mesmerising in their own way.

[@denisehill7769]

Great choices - totally agree (especially Nela, love her). If you have the time have a look at the very few videos on here of Miyako Yoshida, who I was blessed to see several times. She had a true quiet classical style, great control and perfect placement, and when I've seen footage of Fumi I am reminded of her. Thank you for the video!

[@balletreign]

Yoshida is another fabulous one!! Thanks for sharing ur beautifully worded thoughts ☺️☺️

[@joannarowley9220]

Your videos are sheer delight!

[@balletreign]

Aww thank you!! We appreciate that so much 🥹🥹

[@isabelaandzico]

Natalia combines the ballon and overall doing the most with the acting of the Royal Ballet. Natalia = fearless.🩰👏🏻

[@emanuelebabici]

AGREED, I was also screaming FEARLESS while watching Natalia. It's also visible in her turns, she's wild and fearless in going for it fast and with energy

[@irinasouvandjiev]

Can you do a video about Altynai Asylmuratova? I watched a lot of ballets with her (or ballet fragments) when I started to discover the wondrous world of youtube. She is so expressive and dignified, and even though I recognise that the way she uses her elbows and upper body is a totally different, antiquated style, it never feels overly theatrical.

[@balletreign]

Thank u for your suggestion! U describe her very well ☺️☺️

[@kabardinka1]

Asylmuratova is one of the most underrated ballerinas of the 20th Century. It's unfortunate her peak came during the height of the chaos in the Soviet Union. IMO, this brilliant artist was treated like garbage by the cultural officials when they dumped her as head of the Vaganova Institute in favor of someone who never even studied there... and the change was made for largely political reasons. I'm so glad when people bring up her name.

[@gonefishing167]

She’s stunning isn’t she. I first discovered her on Ballet with Isabella and I watched heaps about her . Stunning dancer 🩰🩰👵🇦🇺

[@gonefishing167]

Osipova every time for me. She’s in my head , the others are superb as well. All beautiful. 🩰🩰🩰👵🇦🇺

[@ArchiduquesaMA]

Marianela nuñez 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷

[@annamokrushina9228]

When I think Tyler Peck, I think speed, so characteristic of all NYCB. It just gives a whole new entire dimension to the performance, the energy is just unmatched.

[@herdzskyj5477]

I love your list of famous ballerinas. Can you do the same with the male ballet dancers as well? 😊

[@balletreign]

YES! 😁😁. We’re glad you enjoyed this!

[@thellasilva]

I am a Frankie Hayward stan 100%, but honestly the entire Royal Ballet is absolutely amazing.

[@Mhb0219]

Watched Marianela Nunez in Manon last weekend and was just….wow. That ballet was 2.5 hours it felt like 20 minutes watching her. I’m planning on seeing her in Swan lake this summer! Bonus add: Gillian Murphy - especially as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake! Makes those 32 fouettés look easy 😂

[@balletreign]

She’s a PERFECT odette! Def recommend seeing her in swan lake ✨ Gillian too, SO GOOD 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@sofiagaleote1030]

For me, all the balerinas in this video are spectacular, in my opinion my favorites are Marianela Nuñez, not only because of her golden technique, but also because she is from my native country. And I also greatly admire another dancer, who is the first soloist at the Mariinsky theatre, Maria Khoreva.

[@gabrielaseveriano8042]

Marianela is my favorite, I clicked on this video for the most part to hear you girls talk about her😅. I had the privilege of watching her dance a few years ago in NY in the role of Cinderella. I think she’s the best actress of the three, even better than Natalia, she has the most expressive face which reminds me of the dancers of the first half of the XXth century, who lacked the technical perfection nowadays dancers have - specially a ballet star like Nela. I’m from South America like her, so I love to see one of us be so successful hehe. Anyway, perfect selection, these five really represent the best of the best out there atm, Tiler is probs the best Balanchine dancer and Fumi Kaneko has become one of my favorite dancers in the past couple of years, certainly the next big star in the Royal Ballet. I hope you make a list for the men too! Or a list of best retired ballerinas.

[@balletreign]

Appreciate ur thoughts on this! Nuñez is such a lovely dancer and we def agree that Fumi will become the next big star at RB. Thanks for watching, def stay tuned for the male dancer edition 😉

[@anilu3021]

Nice job, young ladies.

[@balletreign]

Thank you! ✨

[@soffyabad]

Young ladies, 😊❤ one of my retro favorites: Maya Plisetskaya. So moving in Swan Lake, as the White Swan and so evil too. Unforgetable. And Lesley Collier as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Just a ballet music box doll, in tempo, perfect, the Queen of that sweet reign , a dream😊❤ And not retro at all: Marianela Nuñez of course. She has what we call in spanish: picardia (playful). Always smiling, with that special look in her eyes, humble and wonderful. As a latina she has that unique sparkle😊❤

[@laurentienstuijt6494]

me just vibing to the background music. Idk why but you picked the pieces I danced lately😂

[@balletreign]

Hahaha an impromptu bop sesh 😂😂 love it!!

[@sciencewins8798]

They are all Queens, but my personal favourite is Natalia Osipova.❤

[@liliesofthefieldyt]

Fumi Kaneko has the most graceful arms I have ever seen.

[@balletreign]

Thank you for agreeing! 🤩🤩

[@NixG97]

I was lucky enough to watch Fuji and Vadim do R&J when they came to South Africa. Absolutely an experience I will never forget. Everything was perfection! Next is to see my favourite Natalia Osipova (I really hope!)

[@trishtomes493]

I am super proud of you two for showing that Texans are more than Cowboys and Oil! I just found your channel but intend to watch all of your videos, especially since I am too old to go out and watch a live performance these days. Best wishes to you and your school. .

[@WhitKnight-mi5tx]

Exhilarating, engaging, just plain fun. Ballet Reigns. Merci!

[@balletreign]

Thank youuu!! 😁😁

[@KW-lz3iw]

I would also like to add Lucia Lacarra. Her performance in Lady of the camellias choreographed by Val Caniparoli lives rent free in my brain. Her expression with her upper body is captivating, not to mention her perfect feet and lines. I am always amazed at how graceful she is despite her very long limbs, she has such control.

[@rosyface_]

You managed to hit on both of my favourites in one video (Nela and Tiler)

[@balletreign]

they’re both fabulous so it’s no wonder but still 😆😆

[@kathygao]

This is AMAZING! Proposal to do a version for Male Ballet Dancers as well!!!

[@balletreign]

Thank you!! 😆 stay tuned for the male dancer edition 😉

[@princekrazie]

I have a soft spot for Lynn Seymour... She played the vampire Aunt in the Canadian production of The Little Vampire... she left us ealier this year.

[@bindak]

I recently-ish discovered Fumi Kaneko (thank you, Covid!) and I *love* her elegance. I absolutely *obsess* over her port de bras and hands!!!! Nela is amazing. I love the way she acknowledges her partners and her technique is 👩‍🍳 💋!!

[@balletreign]

Yes yes and yessss! We could watch them all day ✨✨

[@AnaGurgenidze-p9q]

Thanks for the video. I liked the way you guys summarized each ballerinas strongest artistic point. For me I guess Svetlana Zakharova is the most weightless and emotional ballerina I would like to see in my real life.

[@dcwang321]

Thank you both for this articulate, thoughtful and genuine presentation. I've recently fell in love with the beauty of ballet and you helped me understand this natural appreciation even more. I look forward to learning more.

[@balletreign]

This is so sweet! Thanks so much, we’re so glad to help u in ur ballet appreciation journey. Keep Ballet-Nerding!!😄😄

[@CheyenneSedai]

Great video. Only one I didn't really know was Tiler, and I wasn't as familiar with Svetlana, but I'm a big fan of Nela, Fumi and Natalia. Would love for you guys to do a video like this of historical ballerinas or male dancers.

[@balletreign]

Highly recommend watching them! Both are so different but so uniquely beautiful. We will def consider doing the historical ballerinas and male dancer editions! Thank u!! 😁😁

[@melrose795]

Sylvie Guillen is my current all time favorite

[@krhode5185]

You two obviously know ballet, but what impresses me most about your videos is your ability to communicate in an engaging, effective way to a broad range of audiences

[@balletreign]

This is so sweet!! Thank you sm. We’re just so happy to have found a community of people who are Ballet Nerds like we are 🤓😆💕

[@AstroBuoyant]

Excellent commentary! (As usual)

[@balletreign]

Aww thanks!! 🥹😄

[@jazminsanchez3511]

I don't know anything about ballet but I always loved it. The other day I discovered your channel and now I can't stop watching it! I love your videos! It makes me want to be a Ballerina😂 PS: Aguante Marianela Núñez! Double PS: I love your background, it seems that Mr. Darcy is about to appear at any moment.😂 Greetings from Argentina!♥

[@balletreign]

Heyy Argentina!! 🇦🇷 🙌🏻. We’re glad ur enjoying our channel and that u like our set up, we love this room too 😆 big love from Texas USA 🇺🇸🤠🤠

[@JR-gh8lp]

AMAZING VIDEO!! Thank you

[@balletreign]

Thank you sm!! Glad u enjoyed 😁💕

[@anneb5734]

I've always loved Tan Yuan Yuan's arm work!

[@oxoelfoxo]

as a ballet newbie i appreciate this

[@balletreign]

Yay!! Glad we could help! 😁😁

[@raindropmix8139]

in my opinion, all are veery good but osipova and zakharova are unreachable

[@balletreign]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@elodiebx]

I love Marianela So much ! I did a two week summer intensive with her in August and she is the nicest person !

[@balletreign]

Wowww that’s such a great opportunity! She has such a kind heart and it truly shows in her dancing ✨💕

[@themikaylashow1987]

Lucky,I'm a huge fan of Nela

[@tatya222002]

I personally like Olesya Novikova. She is lovely in person with a music box ballerina figure and enormous control. She and Viktoria Tereshkina are my favorite Mariinsky ballerinas. Awareness of how a ballet dancer is built and their proportions is ingrained into Russian ballet appreciation, not so much in the US and the UK.

[@feliciacoffey6832]

Those are my favorites too!

[@balletreign]

Those are beautiful dancers too!! Thanks for chiming in 😁😁

[@petrakinkel3521]

FUMI KANEKO (ROYAL BALLET) for me the number 1

[@balletreign]

We just had to include her 😄😄

[@stanislavfeco71]

What a great expertise 👍👍. Usually I am sceptical to watch this kind of top 3 or 5 thing but you just nailed it . Especially with first 3 ballerinas I cannot agree more. You described them perfectly. Wish you many new subscribers and many more such a successful episodes!

[@balletreign]

Thanks so much for this!! 😁😁✨

[@Deni45-fl1tb]

Sylvie Guillem!!!!!!!

[@JohnSmith-ei2pm]

A most valuable video affording many opportunities for learning. I have a particular liking for Kristina Miklhaylova; I think she brings a most magical femininity to her roles. Giselle being a good example. I should be interested to hear the views of others on the matter.