Prima Ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre
Graduated from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet
Graduated from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet
Maria Ilyushkina is one of the most radiant stars of the contemporary Russian ballet stage. Renowned for her exquisite lines, technical precision, and profound musicality, she embodies the purest traditions of the St. Petersburg school. In 2025, she was elevated to the highest rank of Prima Ballerina at the world-renowned Mariinsky Theatre.
Awards and Recognitions
• "Soul of Dance" Prize – Awarded by *Ballet* magazine in the "Ballet Star" category (2025).
• Winner of the "Bolshoi Ballet" Project – Television competition on Russia-Kultura (paired with Evan Capitain, 2024).
• XIV Moscow International Ballet Competition – First Prize and Gold Medal (2022).
• Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition (VKIBC) – Gold Medal (New York, 2016).
Biography
Born in St. Petersburg, Maria Ilyushkina graduated from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in 2016 (class of Y. Kasenkova). Upon graduation, she was immediately invited to join the Mariinsky Ballet.
Her ascent was swift and celebrated by critics: she was promoted to Soloist in 2020 and achieved the rank of Prima Ballerina in 2025. Her artistry combines the rigorous academicism of the Vaganova training with a unique, soulful stage presence.
Repertoire
Maria Ilyushkina’s vast repertoire spans the greatest masterpieces of classical ballet, neoclassical gems, and contemporary works.
Classical Masterpieces (M. Petipa / S. Vikharev / K. Sergeyev):
• “Swan Lake” (Odette-Odile, Big Swans, Prince’s Brides)
• “Giselle” (Giselle, Monna)
• “The Sleeping Beauty” (Princess Aurora, Lilac Fairy, Princess Florine, Candide Fairy) – *Both in the 1890 reconstruction and the Sergeyev version.*
• “La Bayadère” (Nikiya, Trio of Shadows, Grand Pas)
• Raymonda” (Raymonda, Dream Variation)
• “Don Quixote” (Queen of the Dryads)
• “Le Corsaire” (Medora)
• “The Pharaoh’s Daughter” (Aspicia) – *Choreography by M. Petipa, reconstructed by T. Candeloro.*
• “The Talisman” (Pas de deux)
• “Paquita” (Paquita, Variation in Grand Pas)
M. Fokine Choreography:
• “The Dying Swan”
• “Chopiniana” (Nocturne, Seventh Waltz, Mazurka, Prelude)
• “Le Carnaval” (Estrella, Chiarina)
G. Balanchine Masterpieces:
• “Jewels” (“Diamonds”– Lead; “Emeralds” – Lead)
• “Serenade” (Lead role)
• “Symphony in C” (II. Adagio – Soloist; IV. Allegro vivace)
Soviet and Russian Classics:
• “Romeo and Juliet” (Juliet) – L. Lavrovsky
• “The Fountain of Bakhchisarai” (Maria) – R. Zakharov
• “The Nutcracker” (Masha) – V. Vainonen
• “Legend of Love” (Mekhmeneh Bahnu) – Y. Grigorovich
• “The Stone Flower”* (Amethysts) – Y. Grigorovich
• “The Bronze Horseman” (Queen of the Ball) – Zakharov / Smekalov
Other Prominent Roles:
• “Sylvia” (Ceres) – F. Ashton
• “La Sylphide” (Sylphs) – A. Bournonville
• “The Little Humpbacked Horse” (Tsar-Maiden) – A. Ratmansky
• “Cinderella” (Skinny Sister) – A. Ratmansky
• “Grand Pas Classique” – V. Gsovsky
• “Elegy” – A. Polubentsev
Maria also performs as a guest artist, including appearances at the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre (Vladivostok), performing the role of Princess Aurora in “The Sleeping Beauty”.
Awards and Recognitions
• "Soul of Dance" Prize – Awarded by *Ballet* magazine in the "Ballet Star" category (2025).
• Winner of the "Bolshoi Ballet" Project – Television competition on Russia-Kultura (paired with Evan Capitain, 2024).
• XIV Moscow International Ballet Competition – First Prize and Gold Medal (2022).
• Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition (VKIBC) – Gold Medal (New York, 2016).
Biography
Born in St. Petersburg, Maria Ilyushkina graduated from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in 2016 (class of Y. Kasenkova). Upon graduation, she was immediately invited to join the Mariinsky Ballet.
Her ascent was swift and celebrated by critics: she was promoted to Soloist in 2020 and achieved the rank of Prima Ballerina in 2025. Her artistry combines the rigorous academicism of the Vaganova training with a unique, soulful stage presence.
Repertoire
Maria Ilyushkina’s vast repertoire spans the greatest masterpieces of classical ballet, neoclassical gems, and contemporary works.
Classical Masterpieces (M. Petipa / S. Vikharev / K. Sergeyev):
• “Swan Lake” (Odette-Odile, Big Swans, Prince’s Brides)
• “Giselle” (Giselle, Monna)
• “The Sleeping Beauty” (Princess Aurora, Lilac Fairy, Princess Florine, Candide Fairy) – *Both in the 1890 reconstruction and the Sergeyev version.*
• “La Bayadère” (Nikiya, Trio of Shadows, Grand Pas)
• Raymonda” (Raymonda, Dream Variation)
• “Don Quixote” (Queen of the Dryads)
• “Le Corsaire” (Medora)
• “The Pharaoh’s Daughter” (Aspicia) – *Choreography by M. Petipa, reconstructed by T. Candeloro.*
• “The Talisman” (Pas de deux)
• “Paquita” (Paquita, Variation in Grand Pas)
M. Fokine Choreography:
• “The Dying Swan”
• “Chopiniana” (Nocturne, Seventh Waltz, Mazurka, Prelude)
• “Le Carnaval” (Estrella, Chiarina)
G. Balanchine Masterpieces:
• “Jewels” (“Diamonds”– Lead; “Emeralds” – Lead)
• “Serenade” (Lead role)
• “Symphony in C” (II. Adagio – Soloist; IV. Allegro vivace)
Soviet and Russian Classics:
• “Romeo and Juliet” (Juliet) – L. Lavrovsky
• “The Fountain of Bakhchisarai” (Maria) – R. Zakharov
• “The Nutcracker” (Masha) – V. Vainonen
• “Legend of Love” (Mekhmeneh Bahnu) – Y. Grigorovich
• “The Stone Flower”* (Amethysts) – Y. Grigorovich
• “The Bronze Horseman” (Queen of the Ball) – Zakharov / Smekalov
Other Prominent Roles:
• “Sylvia” (Ceres) – F. Ashton
• “La Sylphide” (Sylphs) – A. Bournonville
• “The Little Humpbacked Horse” (Tsar-Maiden) – A. Ratmansky
• “Cinderella” (Skinny Sister) – A. Ratmansky
• “Grand Pas Classique” – V. Gsovsky
• “Elegy” – A. Polubentsev
Maria also performs as a guest artist, including appearances at the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre (Vladivostok), performing the role of Princess Aurora in “The Sleeping Beauty”.
