Why I love Maria Iliushkina! | Mariinsky Ballet | True Ballerina | Artistry!

Hello Everyone,
Perhaps you are unfamiliar with Maria currently, but I think she is someone who has potential to be such an icon of this generation. She really stands out to me as a true ballerina! One with maturity, artistry and technical precision. For me, she reminds me of a young Lopatkina. Full of this aura that words can't massively describe. She has the "it" factor. She walks on stage and you are mesmerised.
Enjoy! Share your comments down below of what you think of this very promising ballerina.
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About Me
Hello everyone! my names Isabella.
I am the first British graduate of the Vaganova ballet academy in Saint Petersburg Russia. I was a soloist working with the Mikhailovsky Ballet and Eifman ballet.
Now I live in London as a full time coach
Here, on my channel I am sharing my passion with you all about the Vaganova technique amongst many other things related to ballet we all love.
It's a hard industry so I am here to help with my insights and knowledge to make it a little easier for you all, as well as to hopefully entertain you with my content.
Thank you for watching!

[@schokoladenritter7969]

She's one of my favorites, along with Renata Shakirova. They both have this depth to their dancing that a lot of other dancers don't have.

[@neatodude3339]

I like Renata Shakirova too, she is so expressive

[@karennorris7880]

I really love Renata Shakirova also. In addition to her exquisite epaulement her sheer joy makes her absolutely glorious to watch and it's absolutely contagious!

[@ענתפרטוש-י4כ]

Most of the important Ballerinas nowadays are busy at making you say Wow, whereas with her, I feel empowerment. It is her generosity in her selfless and "effortless" art that melts you .

[@balletwithisabella]

exactly!

[@isabelaandzico]

It’s so rare nowadays to see a ballerina capturing the essence of the style of a ballet. It’s not all about tricks. I totally agree that she’s probably a wonderful character dancer as well (I was trained at the Bolshoi and I loved character dance too - my first part was Spanish dance from Raymonda and later I did this variation many times). She truly captures the hongroise essence. Brava 🩰👏🏻

[@neatodude3339]

Her Raymonda variation is unbelievable! She's dancing alone but somehow fills the whole stage and I can picture the scene around her.

[@kindofballet]

thankyou for voicing your opinion on Maria Iliushkina. whereas the technical abilities of many popular dancers nowadays are captivating to watch, from my point of view the term "ballerina" can only be applied to those who manage to catch the audience with simple movements as well, thus lifting the choreography above our understanding, and Maria Iliushkina truly does that!!

[@racheleraspanti1210]

She doesn't have the best extensions, but her upper body really makes up for it. She's stunning and I'm thrilled to witness her progress! She's getting better and better

[@balletwithisabella]

Agreed!! ❤

[@xuefensun1117]

And something about the very controlled leg at 90 is so alluring. Other ballerinas, when they get to that part of grand pas, tend to whack their legs. And while that's gorgeous too, this is unique. Super in control

[@ainosalmi8397]

I think Maria is very classical and it brings back the old times in ballet world when the extensions weren’t high 🩰

[@An_Gold]

@@ainosalmi8397 Agree with you. When I see Maria, there is association in my mind with imperial (Russian) ballet, however their shapes were different at that time.

[@ЕваХаритонова-ц6л]

I ve seen her live, when it was the first time - last December, 2021, I was shocked, my friend also because she has unbelievable energy towards the audience, the special aura around her... so much love for music and very warm emotional wave around her, it's impossible to feel through video...

[@redlantern3371]

The Raymonda variation, I've seen it done so many times where it comes off looking rather harsh or at times even mean. (just a bit *too* haughty) But this one was gorgeous. Just the right mix of strength, yet also some delicacy.That little head shake @4:10 did it for me! I hardly looked at her feet and legs, I couldn't wait to see what she did with her head next. As for her extension. When you have style like that, it hardly seems to matter. And Fonteyn's extension was rarely more than 90 degrees. And nobody cared. I may be old school, but sky high extension is so common now, that I actually like to see it a bit lower. I prefer to see the charm and personality. And she has it! Most definitely! Thank you for introducing her.

[@nataschacharliecamen]

I think exactly the same about Maria I. She is one of the rare perles like Lopatkina!!!!

[@Pearlaceous]

I love her too! Those beautiful lines, that natural St Petersburg aristocracy and presence. She is amazing!

[@a.phillips6892]

I agree completely. I noticed her a short time ago. The head positions, arms , upper back and facial expressions are definitely unique, and not the norm. I felt the same way about Altynai Asylmuratova, she will always be my favorite.

[@alicia_naraiah]

Any time I watch Lopatkina I'm completely mesmerised, her swan lake, I've literally never seen another like it, so so beautiful 💜

[@raniadizikiriki8935]

For someone like , who adores Lopatkina and considers her the epitomy of THE ballerina, this is a pleasant surprise.I agree with you.She has style,musicallity,artistry,and that something that few have.I think she has a great future in front of her,

[@balletwithisabella]

She is very inspiring indeed!

[@alexandramalleval4455]

This video made my day Isabella! I absolutely ADORE this dancer and agreed with everything you said. The qualities she posseses are so rare, the ballet world is saturated with those "tricky" dancers. Everything she dances she makes her own, you can see this with both these variations which have been done so many times in so many ways already. Iliushkina reminds me of a 21st century version of older generation great russian ballerinas, she is just magical. I tend to get the impression that Mariinski, while filled with beautiful dancers, quite lacks in those "one of a kind" personalities, especially among the younger dancers. While she doesn't seem to be cast very much these days, I find Alexandra Khiteeva enchanting to watch, she has a very unique and charming way of moving her body and has that similar quality that attracts your eye, in my opinion. Her Raymonda (Clémence variation I believe, in the blue tutu) is one I often go back to watch 🥰 Thank you for sharing this video !

[@xuefensun1117]

Maria Iliushkina somehow brings and maintains a soft elegance to everything. And it somehow works. Even in the sassier grand pas classique she has this soft grace about it and it pairs marvellously.

[@valentina.mend0za]

her dancing reminds me a lot of the russian ballet legends like ulyana as you mentioned, gabriela komleva, galina mesentzeva 💙 such a classical beauty!

[@An_Gold]

Indeed! That is why I like Maria.

[@kateh7500]

I totally agree! Saw her at MIBC and was blown away!

[@anibrown5374]

Delightful almost playful presence. Like a true sylph she manages to move through space without displacing the air. The slightest movement is ordered to her will.

[@kakikatkakikat]

Completely agree. I remember years ago, she had done Liliac Fairy on the Primosrky stage and someone had uploaded a video of that debut. I was shocked, she wasn't ready for the Mariinsky stage but there was something there that with time would blossom. What I was really struck by was her Grand Pas Classique. I always thought of her as so sweet and lyrical but her sass and pure charisma in GPC was so refreshing. Completely agree with you about how some of the younger up and coming Mariinsky still don't feel like a "Ballerina" yet, though they are technically perfect they just lack a bit of maturity and artistry IMO. With some, I feel like I'm watching what their coach instilled into them but there's still nothing that is THEIR choice of aristry. Yet. They are still young. WIthin the current Mariinsky ranks, I still adore Tereshkina. What utter class. Somova is someone who I think the acting is just on another level. She's so leggy that it can feel distracting but she truly can suffer on stage. At Bolshoi, Yulia Stepanova is someone I admire. I remember seeing her white swan debut uploaded here and being so touched. Her arms are just gorgeous and she's aonther dancer who I think can truly suffer on stage. Stepanova is also not a flashy dancer, but I appreciate her solidity. When she ends a variation with a sousous fifth, no bourres. Just a clean and strong sousou. She puts so much care into each finger placement, each meaning, and with her, like with Tereshkina, Somova, Smirnova, all the other great artists, I'm seeing her dance her interpretation, not the coaches'

[@An_Gold]

Love your comment as you mentioned few my favorite ballerinas. Thank you for wonderful description.

[@anaicotrim9557]

Thank you for introducing us to Maria Iliushkina. Isabella. Lately when watching ballet I see people moving with undeniable physical skills and superior technical standard, but they create the impression in me of gymnasts more than artists.

[@ciaika77]

I love her❤She's truly extraordinary 👏Completely agree with you 🩰Thank you for this video💐W Mariinskij!🪆

[@karennorris7880]

I agree. She's truly extraordinary. Thank you for introducing her on your channel! I think what really sets Maria off is her extreme musicality. She appears to be suffused with the music and that is what dancing is all about. Most well-trained dancers are competent musically speaking, but this level of musicality is instinctive and a true gift. Her epaulement is really gorgeous as you mentioned and she passes what I call "the acid test" which is her bourees. Some dancers consider bourees a throw-away step, but in the hands of a great dancer, bourees are as beautiful as all the other steps.

[@irinad.7802]

I think I knew who you meant when you were speaking about those who are popular online and good technically, but lacking artistically… and I completely agree 😅 also agree with your opinion of Maria I., she’s an up-and-coming star of Mariinsky.

[@balletwithisabella]

😅😅 glad you agree. I also think the same Of Olga Smirnova, pure artist but Maria has something special here

[@thabilegabuza6376]

Iliushkina absolutely reminds me of Lopatkina. Thank you for this breakdown, Isabella

[@balletwithisabella]

Comment below if you agree! I can’t wait for you all to watch this video ❤

[@rickyzmkuo]

I like all the Mashas at Mariinsky!

[@balletwithisabella]

oh yes! me too :-)

[@rickyzmkuo]

@@balletwithisabella 😁🤩

[@brendastevens9077]

You are a true gifted ballerina!! I love your dancing. Maria reminds me of the ballerina on my jewelry box, and my favorite ballerina doll that I would play with for hours, when I wasn't dancing myself. I can see what your talking about. I agree with you.😊❤

[@telala2]

Agree so much. Lack of artistry is an issue in the modern day of ballet. Although technique skills are off the charts it’s uninteresting without the artistry. Thanks for sharing. ….. she is a wonderful artist

[@An_Gold]

Isabella, thank you for your channel.

[@kaykomckayface1097]

Thanks so much for answering my request 🙏 I like that your video is not just reacting but very educational. 🌹 As for suggestions, would you consider a video about Alena Kovaleva? Since her fast promotion all the way to principal in Bolshoi, I am curious to know what made her shine even amongst the elite dancers in Bolshoi. Thank you very much 🌹🌹

[@gersandelf]

Very very interesting video. I very much appreciate these detailed breakdowns. I was looking at other videos where you breakdown the Vaganova style, and I'd be so interested in hearing your thoughts about how that differs from dancers who were trained primarily in Cecchetti, or Bournonville, etc. To my uninformed eyes, it sometimes seems like Vaganova seems to have really drawn from the best aspects of the old (old!) French and Italian styles, and it's so interesting to see how it has developed on its own over the years.

[@alicia_naraiah]

Maria is stunning, so graceful, light, elegant and effortless - such a beautiful classic dancer, how I feel ballet should be, old school without all these new tricks, you don't need to be able to do 11 pirouettes to be a beautiful dancer and often the 'trick' dancers, do lack a lot of the artistry that makes a prima ballerina 💜

[@annastinehammersdottir1290]

My favourite recording of this solo is of Olesya Novikova in 2011 for all of the same reasons but this young woman is destined to go far at the Mariinsky. Aplomb is key to a ballerina's career.

[@raybugfilm8772]

I've seen her in Bayaderka Primorsky Mariinskii theater Vladivostok, she was beautyful and amazing

[@theoroma6883]

I feel totally inadequate to offer an opinion. I am not a ballet dancer but I like what I see without knowing why. All I know is that she makes me feel emotional. Someone else that I absolutely adore is Yulia Stepanova. I would love to hear you expert opinion of Yulia Stepanova as well. I love your programme even though I don't understand too much. It gives me a buzz and I am a big ballet fan.

[@camilagonzalezgomez7155]

I also love her🤩

[@elenagrigoryeva2444]

Thank you for this video. I have heard a few times already a comparison to Lopatkina :) .. you are right, there are plenty of technically perfect ballerinas and many have theatrical skills as well.. but Lopatkina and Iliushkina are simply from OUTER SPACE. They are some kind of next level creatures.. aliens from a planet of pure beauty!

[@Julie-hq8rs]

Completely agree! Thankyou for sharing Isabella x

[@An_Gold]

I also like Maria, thank you for the video.

[@maiafilia3065]

She’s really amazing! She reminds me a bit of one of my favourite ballerinas which is Larissa Lezhnina. She also is very petite but strong and has a lot of character. Love her especially when she was dancing with the (then) Kirov Ballet. :)

[@Fruit-of-Eden]

It is a great pleasure to follow young ballerinas and to witness their development. Maria Iliushkina is one of the dancers who gave me this pleasure. I totally agree with you Isabella, she has an artistic talent and it's precious because that quality is a gift, and can't be gained by effort in my opinion. I know it's cruel to say to some "ballerinas" but if ballet is an art, not sports, dancers must be artis. I feel in Mariinsky Daria Ionova and May Nagahisa has true artistry.

[@OhadRaps]

She really gives off a young Lopatkina vibe... The nuances with the arms and the head, I feel like she really draws inspiration from her. I've seen her Blue Bird, you can see her slowly improving and maturing.

[@candidacarino669]

A versatile Mariinsky dancer who can dance absolutely any style; Maria Bulanova is very interesting, she's a much talented dancer and I adore her ❤❤❤!

[@maths98_]

Lopatkina is the best! I have the same thoughts about Maria. Actually, I've seen her Raymonda in person on the 25 of April 2021. (I have an excel document where I write all the ballet and opera performances I've been to) My favorites from the younger generation of Mariinsky ballet other than Maria Illushkina right now are: - Svetlana Savelieva (I saw her 4th grade Vaganova exam online around 7 years ago, and I've been waiting for her to become a soloist with the Mariinsky ever since, it's like I feel this "ballerina vibe" about her; I saw her in the Mariinsky multiple times, including her solos at the Vaganova graduation performances and in the corps de ballet with the Mariinsky, never disappoints me) - Alexandra Khiteeva(the best arms IMHO) - Daria Ustuzhanina - Daria Ionova I also admire Maria Bulanova. As for prima ballerinas, I prefer Victoria Tereshkina and Renata Shakirova.

[@dougdavies4032]

As a Huge Ballet Fan I Love Your Channel Keep Up The Great Work ❤

[@isabelaandzico]

The Raymonda hongroise quality is something that you get from loving character dancing and giving attention to detail. When I went to dance in Hungary 🇭🇺 I finally got it. 8:10

[@Татьяна-о9н5н]

I agree with you. I saw her on stage once, a few years ago. Still remember) I live in Spb, want to see her again)

[@CorinnePina]

I love her! A lot of people criticize her for being thin, but I think she looks amazing !

[@sofiasilva1154]

Pienso igual!!! Desde el momento que la vi me recordó DEMASIADO a Ulyana. Pienso se convertirá en una leyenda, porque esa "pureza" de la que hablas Isabella es tan subjetiva pero a la vez tan objetiva. María tiene ese no se qué, q muy pocas bailarinas tienen

[@sheeniebeanie2597]

i like that it is not robotic--her dancing.

[@TheFilipinaWifeLife]

I adore her! Will you do a video on Masha Bulanova? I feel like her and Maria are so underrated. I hear so much about Maria Khoreva and she's great when it comes to technical things so I love her too, but I really love hearing about these other dancers. I feel like these Russian dancers that aren't so big on social media have such an alluring mystique about them, like the great Uliana. I hope you go back to Russia and do a Mariinsky interview with dancers, Yuri?? Lol Nikolai 😁

[@florencezoe]

I've always been captivated by Alexandra Khiteeva who, in my opinion, has similar artistic qualities to Iliushkina :)

[@elisabethwei3574]

True❤

[@GiselleKlara]

so glad you put up this video. She was my favorite as a pre-graduation year around 2015 and was just soo beautiful!

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

Dear Isabella, I would love to have a video about Maria Bulanova! I like her because of her acting skills and her confidence, she looks so strong on stage. Her leaps and her turns are amazing, and she is a natural beauty. Her body type is different from Maria Khoreva, for example, and that makes a nice contrast on stage. For example when she is the street dancer in Don Q and Maria Khoreva is Kitri, I love that the street dancer is portrayed very different.

[@jenh4516]

Beautiful quality. It’s always hard to tell in video, but she seems to sit in the music more than others I’ve seen. That’s not a criticism, but more an observation and one that I don’t know is accurate because it’s not always clear if the music syncs up in the video. Maybe it’s is why others think there’s no “spice?” I disagree as her epaulement is exquisite.

[@ВикторКремлев-т6б]

I follow the new ballerinas of the Mariinsky. Yes, Maria is undoubtedly good and very promising, I think she will become a prima in a year. But I like Renata Shakirova and Maria Bulanova better. In Ilyushkina there is no (little, not visible) expression, passion, blood games. I don't see her in the role of Carmen, Kitri. and even in the Park. For Maria I. Giselle, Sleeping, Swan, she is a frozen princess. I wonder how she will prove herself and whether she will be able to perform in modern ballet. It would be interesting to know Isabella's opinion about Shakirova and Bulanova, if she has the opportunity to follow their work. The obvious plus of Ilyushkina is her height (I think she is at least 175 cm) in harmony with the proportions of the body - that's how time has changed the approach to growth! Also interesting is Isabella's opinion about the ballet Legend of Love - I think it is not danced in Europe. And Isabella in the role of Mehmen Banu would be very good, as well as in the role of Gamzatti

[@elenagrigoryeva2444]

But dont you actually find it interesting that you may have favourite ballerinas FOR different roles.. just as you said, one is perfect Kitri, another is pure swan. I think there can't be one that will perfectly match all the roles and thats the beauty of it. :) I almost dont want Maria to even try Carmen. It's not "hers" I think.. at least not yet.

[@Silvials19]

Despite this, Maria's interpretation is obviously exceptional, even if her character is very different🤩❤

[@enlair]

the intangibles make all the difference

[@weather9538]

What are your thoughts on Maria Khoreva and Bulanova?

[@Silvials19]

Beautiful, she also reminds me of Lopatkina, but in the Raymonda variation she is a bit far from Sylvie Guillem - in fact the choreography is also different. It's about the technique, look at the 5th position on the diagonals with the passes to the left and then to the right with the pirouettes, before the finale, that of Guilleme very well controlled and safe NOT in 5th point.

[@tomcooper3286]

I find the same quality with Tatiana Tkachenko and Renata Shakirova

[@ВикторКремлев-т6б]

Слежу за новыми балеринами Мариинки. Да, Мария несомненно хороша и очень перспективна, думаю через год станет примой. Но мне больше нравятся Рената Шакирова и Мария Буланова. В Илюшкиной нет ( мало, не видно) экспрессии, страсти, игры крови. Не вижу ее в роли Кармен, Китри. и даже в Парке. Для Марии И. Жизель, Спящая, Лебединое, она замороженная принцесса. Интересно, как она проявит себя и сможет ли в современном балете. Было бы интересно узнать мнение Изабеллы о Шакировой и Булановой, если она имеет возможность следить за их работой. Очевидный плюс Илюшкиной - рост ( думаю, что она не менее 175 см) в гармонии с пропорциями тела - вот как время изменило подход к росту! Также интересно мнение Изабеллы о балете Легенда о любви - думаю, что в Европе его не танцуют. А Изабелла в роли Мехмене Бану была бы очень хороша, как и в роли Гамзати

[@Silvials19]

Grand Pas Classique - Sylvie Guillem kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIu3h41niquJl7ssi=rtCqp70lVT4b9Nir Raymonda -Sylvie Guillem kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJjMdqSdrs6Ei9Esi=7yJ1i6h18Eds3A0q

[@radiantonion8615]

After watching a few Raymondas she’s very good but for this role needs more “spice”. It’s very classical what she’s doing but kind of bland for Raymonda. Sylvia Guillem as an example. At least that’s my perspective.

[@juanfernandes3795]

you should say what you think about maria khoreva and marianela, and also react to male dancers

[@candidak.]

I really tried, but I don't like her, her technique is mainstream, what I have seen from her Giselle debut could be called really weak, no jumping ability whatsoever, and I don't see any passion, presence and expression. She has pretty lines in the upper body though.

[@aatsw]

She seems rather short, do you by any chance know her height? it's not listed in her profiles, and there is no wiki page. From a non-technical point of view, she would look even better if she could be a bit taller.

[@balletwithisabella]

I’m pretty sure she’s quite tall actually 🙂

[@neatodude3339]

She's one of the tallest female dancers in the company!

[@aatsw]

@@neatodude3339 I don't know about the average height of Marrinsky's dancers. But Iliushkina does look not that tall at all. It's not difficult to gauge by looking at one's limbs.

[@neatodude3339]

@@aatsw Well, she is. Two people have already told you she's tall

[@aatsw]

@@neatodude3339 I said she 'seems' short. Without numerical measurement, appearing tall or short is a matter of perception. Just others saying that she's tall doesn't change anything. One person's idea of being tall isn't necessarily the same as that of others. I would love to find out her height in measurement, that's my initial question. I never asked whether other people feel or think that she is tall or short.

[@katalinx4617]

Her Raymonda is too soft, there is no life in it.I dont like it at all. Sylvie Guilllem the best for ever.

[@АндрейГурьянов-ь7б]

2 недели назад видел Машу в роли Аспиччии. Это было совершенно невероятно! Маша - сама грация, нежность и очарование!

[@ТатьянаЦаревна-ф9й]

Нет. Пустая. Обыкновенная девочка из офиса. Не понимает что и для чего она танцует. Цирк в балете, одним словом. Физические упражнения ее Раймонда. (

[@katalinx4617]

You are right. She is like a robot.

[@evyrichard3610]

Or is it to push some other dancers down? It feels a bit disingenuous unfortunately, as I really enjoyed your presentations so far

[@gladedweller]

Yes, I thought the same. Perfectly clear to everyone from the way it’s phrased that she’s referring unfavourably to Maria Khoreva. I think that’s a real shame - Maria K will develop more artistry to go with her phenomenal technique with age and experience, no big deal. And, more importantly, she seems from her videos to be a woman with very strong values. I couldn’t imagine her posting a video such as this with thinly veiled negative references to another dancer. Would have been possible here to celebrate Maria I without the need for other references. In my own personal opinion.

[@neatodude3339]

@@gladedweller Did you know people are allowed to have different opinions and like different dancers?

[@gladedweller]

@@neatodude3339 yes indeed, hence I am expressing my opinion which is clearly different to the original poster’s. But thanks for your sarcastic, passive-aggressive comment checking in on my cognitive ability 🙄

[@evyrichard3610]

I don't see why you single her out? I wish her the best, but not very impressive artistiscally or technically, nor emotional expressions, etc. Why are you pushing her in particular?

[@ClaudioAlbertoZuñigaGuarachi]

Should keep shut up, lets us enjoy this BELLISIMA BALLERINA.