Following the recent release of his book ‘From Small Steps to Big Leaps’, the London Ballet Circle was pleased to host Vadim Muntagirov, Principal Dancer at The Royal Ballet, in conversation with dance writer Deborah Weiss.
The conversation started with Vadim discussing his beginnings at Perm State Choreographic College. He described boarding school as a “shocking experience” and was subject to incredibly strict teaching. However his mastery of technique led him to success at the Prix de Lausanne, aged 16, after which he decided to join the Royal Ballet School. He said adapting to the RBS was difficult - “it was very different technique and method of teaching to what I was used to.”
Upon graduating, he joined English National Ballet, and shared stories with the audience about his partnerships with Daria Klimentova, Alina Cojocaru, and Tamara Rojo. He reminisced fondly on his time here, saying “from the first week I had opportunity to dance fantastic roles.” He left ENB to join The Royal Ballet in 2014. The wide-ranging conversation not only took in his career, but also topics such as physical health, making mistakes on stage, and coaching.
Following the conversation, LBC members had the opportunity to meet Vadim and get their books signed.