Interview with Ksenia Ovsyanick
Between the end of the stunning Staatsballett Berlin season and her busy life as a mum, we were delighted to catch up with Principal dancer, Ksenia Ovsyanick.
A hugely important member of the Covent Garden Dance Company, Ksenia is returning to Hatch House for her tenth year and bringing with her an exciting and unique improvised performance that promises to delight this year’s audience.
British-Belorussian ballet dancer, Ksenia became known for her collaborations beyond the stage with art galleries, artists, fashion designers, musicians and filmmakers. She started her career at English National ballet, joining Staatsballett Berlin in 2016 and over the years performed on stages around the world and winning numerous prestigious dance awards.
Discover more about this year’s performances at Hatch House and how becoming a mother has shaped her dancing in our interview below.
How long you have been working with Covent Garden Dance Company?
I was part of the early performance by CGDC back in 2009/10. And I have been here on numerous occasions since. In fact, I believe I have performed almost at every show in the last 10 years!
Ksenia performing with Dinu Tamazlacaru at Hatch House 2023
Photo credit: Alice Pennefather
What has been your favourite moment whilst performing for CGDC?
I think the locations and performing in the open air are always a very special experience. And the meticulous conditions that Matt creates that enable us to deal with any weather allow to truly enioy performing in such unique settings.
What are you looking forward to most this year?
This year I’m bringing as a partner, Principal Cellist of Deustche Oper, Arne-Christian Pelz. I think having live music for this evening will be a very special addition and I very much looking forward to bringing to Hatch audience our collaboration with AC.
What inspired you to create the new piece with Arne-Christian?
We have had chances to work with AC before and it inspired me to look for more opportunities for collaboration. Rather than just dancing to the music, communicating with the musician as a partner during the performance creates a very different experience. Instead of telling two parallel stories we create one together in the moment, and while we “speak” in different languages you have to breathe and feel together, and I believe it is palpable for the audience to feel and experience too.
Tell us about the piece of music you are using.
It is classically based but rearranged/recomposed by AC. You will be in for a treat!
What role would you most like to play that you are yet to debut?
Its a long list! There is a lot I still want to do and create.
How important are charities like the Dicky Buckle Fund and Covent Garden Dance Company for the future of dance?
Dance is one of the least supported art forms, yet it so expressive and relatable. It transcends language bariers, it can portray things you cannot describe in words. It is wonderful to have funds such as Dicky Buckle supporting developments in dance. Sometimes the smallest crops can grow into the biggest harvest.
Photo credit: Patricio Melo
You will be performing alongside some wonderful artists from all around the world this year, who are you most looking forward to watching perform?
It is always nice to meet new dancers as well as reconnect with those you know. Coming from different places, there is always something you can learn and get inspired from. This year there are quite a few new dancers I haven’t met before and I very much look forward to discovering their art.
How do you juggle your busy life as a ballerina and a mother?
Its busy… Because I don’t want to sacrifice either time with my son nor the quality of my ballet performances. I guess what gets sacrificed is sleep…
How has being a mother changed you as a dancer?
The work became very precise and focused, as you can’t afford to waste time. It is very enriching emotionally, giving me more emotions and feelings I can tap into as an actor. Also I had to completely relearn my body and how to use it in dance. As the result of such a process and all the additional training I did, I believe it made me a stronger dancer.
Can you tell us something people don’t know about you?
I cannot ride a bike. But I can ride a horse.
