Ballerina Ludmila Vlasova: biography, personal life, creativity

The famous ballerina Lyudmila Vlasova, whose biography is full of such vivid events that it seems that this is the life of several people, today lives quietly in Moscow and is doing what she loves. Behind her shoulders are great fame, incredible love, tragic partings and a lot of work.

Childhood

The future ballerina Lyudmila Vlasova was born in Moscow on March 2, 1942. Mila's father, quite famous in the capital musician Joseph Markov, was a real representative of bohemia, and therefore the family life of the parents of the future prima did not work out. The girl's mother worked as an actress in the theater of the Red Army, but after the birth of her child left the stage and took up her family. After the divorce she had to become a waitress to feed herself and two children. Mila's mother was a very beautiful woman, she repeatedly received offers from men, but she did not marry more and devoted her whole life to children. Times were difficult, post-war. The family lived in a large communal apartment on the Arbat, in which the most inhabited place was a corridor where music from the loudspeaker constantly played. The apartment was inhabited by 12 families, about 40 people, so here it was always very crowded. Little Mila constantly danced in the corridor, which prompted mom to think about taking her daughter to a dance school. So the new life of Mila Markova began.

Study

When my mother brought Mila to the choreography school, the teachers immediately noted the good natural data of the future star. She easily passed the selection and ended up in a class in which she was able to study with Mikhail Lavrovsky, Nina Sorokina, Natalia Bessmertnova. The girl spent all her time in the school, there was not much free time. Therefore, she understood so well what separation from her mother is. For her, it was a small holiday after school to visit her mother in a cafe where she always reserved a bun with raisins for her daughter. Already during her studies, Mila showed great success, she was even invited to participate in the crowd in the productions of the Bolshoi Theater, she danced children's parties. With the distribution at the end of the school, Milla Markova had no problems: she was immediately taken to the Bolshoi Theater.

First marriage

As soon as the young ballerina came to the Bolshoi, she almost immediately met her fate. Dancer Stanislav Vlasov immediately drew attention to a very beautiful young ballerina who came to the troupe. Their romance ended very quickly with marriage. The husband was older than Lyudmila for 9 years, and in it she found immediately her husband, and the teacher, and the director. So in the troupe appeared the ballerina Lyudmila Vlasova - the girl took her husband's insistence at his insistence. Stanislav was a brilliant dancer and soloist of the theater. His wife became a partner not only in marriage, but also in creativity. He perfectly understood the opportunities and strengths of his wife and helped her to better reveal her talent. The couple quickly climbed to the top of the ballet career. The husband spoiled his young wife, she bathed in luxury. Vlasov bought Mila's mom a comfortable separate apartment, started her luxurious apartment with an unusual design. Mila had several fur coats, a lot of jewelry, the most fashionable clothes. She had everything that was then considered the symbol of the highest success in life.

Work at the Bolshoi Theater

Together with her husband, the ballerina Lyudmila Vlasova traveled around the world with tours. She shone in such productions as "Swan Lake", "Romeo and Juliet". Her career was magnificent. In fact, everything she dreamed of creatively, she was able to get here. Vlasov set for Mila numbers ("The Swan Princess", "Fly the Doves"), which produced a real sensation, and she was invited to the programs of Maya Plisetskaya, Natalia Bessmertnova, Ekaterina Maximova. Vlasova performed with almost all the stars of the USSR ballet at that time. She was constantly invited to perform in government concerts, which was a symbol of the highest glory. Vlasova, a brilliant soloist of the Bolshoi Theater, could choose parties and teachers. She always wanted to work with Marina Timofeevna Semyonova, and she came to her class. Although the teacher first put the "star" on the very edge of the machine, but after a few rehearsals Vlasov was moved to the center, which was a sign of recognition from the mentor.

Years of glory

Ballerina Ludmila Vlasova in the late 60's - early 70's was a real prima and star. Her name on the posters during the foreign tours gathered full halls in London and Paris. Her career developed in such a way that many prims could envy her. She had talent, the Bolshoi Theater, a wonderful loving husband ... But fate was preparing her a great test.

Alexander Godunov: fatal meeting

In 1967, a young dancer Alexander Godunov came to Moscow from Riga. He was found and lured to the capital by Igor Moiseyev. Godunov began to work in the ensemble "Classical Ballet" ("Young Ballet"), and the ballet-mongers quickly started talking about a new rising star. Alexander had not only outstanding choreographic data, but also unforgettable appearance: a tall blond with the figure of Apollo, besides, he was endowed with an incredible face and dramatic talent. Vlasova noticed the new dancer. There is a version that it was she who told about the main choreographer of Bolshoi Yuri Grigorovich about Alexander. In 1971, Grigorovich invites Godunov to the Bolshoi Theater, where he makes his debut in "Swan Lake".

Once at the premiere of the film he did not take the whole show off from Vlasova's eye, and when she went into the vestibule, she saw that he stood shy at the column and was embarrassed to turn to her. Then Mila took the initiative. She had a humorous conversation with Godunov about the dangling button on his suit and let the dancer conduct himself. So the beautiful pair of the Bolshoi Theater itself appeared: Alexander Godunov and Lyudmila Vlasova. Although at first the ballerina did not think that this acquaintance would forever change her life. She was older than Godunova for 7 years, and she was just pleased to admire the young man.

Romance of all life

First, Alexander Godunov and Lyudmila Vlasova just met, but the romance quickly gained momentum. Girlfriend Mila Nina Sorokina immediately told her that she did not expect that it would be just an affair, that Godunov would still take her away with the power of his love and talent. He was in all things a man of passions and strong manifestations. Very soon, Mila left her stable and wealthy husband, from their luxurious apartment to Alexander, in his little "odnushku." Stanislav Vlasov the very next day after the departure of his wife demanded a divorce and immediately resigned from the Bolshoi Theater. Mila was still worried for a long time due to the fact that she had inflicted such a wound on him.

Godunov at that time still only gave hope and received a salary of about 100 rubles. To somehow live in the first time, Vlasova was forced to sell her coats and jewelry. This was extremely frustrating for Alexander, and he insisted that he would make sure that his beloved would have everything. And he fulfilled his promise. Very quickly Godunov became a soloist of the Bolshoi Theater with a salary of 550 rubles (like ministers and professors). In addition, he performed a lot in concerts, traveled with tours, and the financial situation of the young family quickly recovered. He spoiled his beloved wife and often, when he received a fee, gave her jewelry, she had the first fur coat in Moscow.

In addition, Godunov and Vlasova have become a wonderful creative couple. Together they performed many parts in famous productions. Performances "Spartacus", ballet "Sacred Spring", "Romeo and Juliet" (in which Godunov danced specially written for him the party of Tybalda) became real choreographic masterpieces. The ballet "Ivan the Terrible" at the Bolshoi Theater with Godunov became a real world masterpiece. The couple toured a lot, basking in the rays of glory.

However, for Godunov life was not so perfect. As a result of intrigues in the Bolshoi Theater, he did not receive the roles he dreamed of. And life itself in the USSR, with its limitations, censorship and surveillance, was too narrow for Maximalist Godunov. In 1974, a close friend and classmate of Alexander Mikhail Baryshnikov remained in the West. All this prepared the ground for a bold step. Although the couple never seriously discussed the issue of emigration. But in the 70s this idea literally hovered in the air. In addition, the authorities periodically denied Godunov and Vlasova travel abroad, which was sometimes done in a very offensive manner. All this led the passionate and freedom-loving Alexander into a frenzy.

Day X

August 19, 1979 in New York in the Metropolitan Theater, the next performance of the tour of the Bolshoi Theater. Godunov brilliantly danced in "Romeo and Juliet" and together with his wife returned to his room at the hotel. This was the last day of their 8-year-old happiest marriage. In the evening Alexander Godunov left the hotel, and two days later the media announced that he had asked for political asylum in the United States. Vlasova immediately said that she was not going to stay in the West, and asked that she be sent home "to my mother." She perfectly remembered how Rudolf Nuriev, also left abroad, was not allowed to see his mother even during her grave illness. Mila did not want herself and her family such a fate.

Three days passed the hardest negotiations, it reached the point that the heads of the USSR and the US intervened. Godunov claimed that his wife was being forcibly kept and did not allow her to stay in America. Therefore, the US authorities did not allow the plane to fly out. At the airport, demonstrators with posters "Freedom to Lyudmila Vlasova" lined up. " Many former compatriots, employees of the embassy, joined the talks. Vlasova constantly kept saying that she wanted to go home. On the proposal to go to Godunov and tell him about it, Mila refused, because she was afraid that after seeing her husband, she could no longer say "no." Three days later she flew to Moscow, and Godunov stayed in New York.

Life "after"

When Vlasova Lyudmila Iosifovna returned to Moscow, outwardly her life almost did not change. Her parties were preserved behind her, she rehearsed new roles. But in her heart she was very hard. She told me that she did not want to leave the house, but she did not want to show her pain to others. She closed herself, but continued to work. Godunov called her a few months later and began with the words: "I'm not a traitor." They called up almost every day. Alexander was very fond of Mila and had various plans for family reunification. Some options have already been realized, but nevertheless the plans did not come true. Godunov feared that he would be stolen and forced to return to the USSR. Until the last day he continued to communicate with Vlasova, she was the main love of his life. Although later each of them had new partners, Mila and Alexander did not hide that they were still very warm to each other. Vlasov was never allowed to tour abroad again. Two years later, the couple was quietly dissolved through the embassy. Lyudmila Vlasova quietly finalized in the Bolshoi Theater before retiring. And Alexander Godunov, having made a pretty successful career on the American ballet stage and at the cinema, died at the age of 45. The circumstances of his death were more than strange, but there was no investigation. The police admitted that he died "for natural reasons." Five years after Godunov's death, his girlfriend, actress Jacqueline Bisset arrived in Moscow. Mila met with her, and both women long remembered the dancer. Jacqueline said that all his life Godunov loved only Lyudmila. With the permission of the priest, Vlasova installed the Alexander Memorial Stone at the Vvedenskoye cemetery in Moscow.

Outstanding parties

Vlasova's repertoire is predominantly classical. She shone in "Swan Lake", in "The Sacred Spring". The star party for her were: "Spartacus", ballet "Anna Karenina", "The Legend of Love." Today the name of Lyudmila Iosifovna is most often recalled in connection with the history of Godunov. But only connoisseurs and fans remember that she was a really brilliant ballerina, a star of first magnitude.

Working in a movie

Vlasova Lyudmila Iosifovna was not only an outstanding, but also an excellent ballerina. Such a texture and talent could not fail to notice cinematographers. Even when she was in college, an assistant of S. Bondarchuk came to the theater one day and said that the director was looking for an actress for the role of Natasha Rostova and whether Mila would like to take samples. The proposal was tempting, but for the filming it was necessary to leave the ballet for 4 years. It was impossible for Vlasova. So she chose the ballet. She still left her small footprint in the cinema. On her account, two small ballet films: "Trapezium" and "Naughty chastushki." In 1967, Mila played a small role in the film opera The Stone Guest. And in 1978, along with Godunov played an unusual role in the film-musical "June 31". Later she also starred in Carmen Suite, and she also took part in the creation of the documentary film about Godunov "Escape to Nowhere".

Third marriage

In 1981 Vlasova Lyudmila Iosifovna entered into her third and last marriage. Her chosen one was the artist again, this time the opera singer, Bolshoi Theater bass Yuri Statnik. He is a bit younger than Lyudmila, just as she worked all her life at the Bolshoi Theater. He knew and highly appreciated Alexander Godunov and always treated the feelings of his wife very carefully, realizing that he was not allowed to replace in her heart a great dancer. In addition to being a successful soloist of the Bolshoi Theater, the hostess was held as a vocal teacher. He teaches at the Bolshoi Theater and at the Helsinki Opera. Lyudmila Vlasova, who never talks about her feelings, notes that Yuri is a very good and dear person.

Pension

At 41, the ballerina Lyudmila Vlasova, whose personal life was still the subject of heated discussions, decided to retire. Yuri Grigorovich summoned her to the office, as well as all the staff after reaching the retirement age, and unexpectedly said that Vlasova is in brilliant form and the theater is ready to extend the contract with her. But she categorically did not want to dance anymore. She was offered to become a choreographer-teacher. But Mila is so tired of the ballet world with its intrigues, rumors, enmity that has resolutely refused all offers. Moreover, she wanted the audience to remember her young and beautiful. Besides, I knew perfectly well that behind her there was a whole line of talented dancers, who were not given singers soloists, since they were all occupied by eminent ladies. Therefore, from the ballet Vlasova left.

But I did not want to stay at home after the end of the ballet career, especially since my husband Yuri often went on tour. And she decided to find something to do. Then unexpectedly she was called by a friend Valeria Kochanovskaya, who once left the ballet for artistic gymnastics, and called Vlasova to her room. Lyudmila worked in gymnastics for several years. It was an unusual experience. But fate prepared Vlasova one more surprise.

Figure skating

Lyudmila was telephoned by the figure skating coach Natalia Linichuk and said that she needed a dance choreographer on ice. Vlasova at first refused, did not want to change work, and she was heard of Linichuk's character. But all the same I agreed and went to see the training. On the ice skied Angelica Krylova and Vladimir Fedorov. The couple rehearsed "Carmen", and in her head Vlasova immediately gave birth to several ideas of what could be done with such a pair. So the new life of Lyudmila Iosifovna began.

For several years she worked successfully in the team of Natalia Linichuk, but when she decided to transport her training base to the US, Vlasova refused to go. She stayed in Moscow, periodically leaving for Italy. On her account, work with such famous pairs as O. Grischuk - E. Platov, M. Anisina - I. Averbukh, I. Lobacheva - I. Averbukh, A. Semenovich - V. Fedorov, E. Ilyinykh - N. Katsalapov, A. Cappellini - L. Lanotte, F. Fayella - M. Scully. Vlasova finds great pleasure and satisfaction in working with skaters, so she found a way out of her creative potential.

Private life

Lyudmila Vlasova, a ballerina, whose children is a sick and almost forbidden topic, says that in the world of dance, few people decide to have children. The age of the dancers is very short, and to leave the stage and give the repertoire even for a few months - it often means losing your position, which usually takes years. Therefore, when Vlasova was still pregnant in her first marriage, the question of whether to preserve the child was not even discussed. Today, for Lyudmila Iosifovna, this is perhaps the only thing she really regrets. On the rest of his actions he speaks without bitterness and doubt and assures that he lived a difficult but happy life.