Olga Gayko: “I Rely Only on What Has Stood the Test of Time”
Olga Gayko: A Journey Through Time and Dance
Olga Gayko, the undisputed prima of modern Belarusian ballet, is a tall, graceful beauty with captivating eyes and a soft voice. Her performances at the Belarusian Bolshoi Theatre are eagerly anticipated by true ballet enthusiasts and adoring fans alike. With a repertoire that includes iconic roles such as Odette-Odile, Carmen, Giselle, Sylphide, Esmeralda, Zarema, Tamar, and Rogneda, Gayko has left an indelible mark on the world of ballet. We had the privilege of meeting with Olga Gayko immediately after her recent tour in France.
Recent Performances in France
Olga Gayko recently captivated French audiences with her performance in “Bolero,” a ballet inspired by the life of the legendary ballerina Ida Rubinstein. Choreographed by Nadezhda Kalinina from St. Petersburg, “Bolero” is a vibrant, dynamic, and emotionally charged ballet that resonated deeply with Gayko. “I haven’t felt this way about a performance in a long time,” Gayko shared. “To portray the legendary Ida, I had to bare my soul and transform into a passionate, inspired woman deeply in love with dance.”
The ballet features stunning music from various composers and boasts a strong dramatic narrative. Gayko lived and breathed each of her ten performances, and the predominantly French audience received her with great enthusiasm. “In Paris and other cities, we took three or four curtain calls,” she recalled.
Iconic Roles and Collaborations
Gayko is renowned for her roles in cult classics such as “Spartacus,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Tyl Ulenspiegel.” She has worked with some of the most celebrated choreographers of our time, including Nikita Dolgushin and Andris Liepa. “I am grateful to fate for bringing me together with such incredible masters,” Gayko said. “Working with Nikita Dolgushin on ballets like ‘Esmeralda’ and ‘Sylphide’ was a transformative experience. He was a master of the highest class, representing the old Leningrad school of ballet.”
Gayko also spoke highly of her collaboration with Andris Liepa, which she described as a breath of fresh air. “Before working with him, I saw myself as a classical dancer,” she explained. “But he helped me discover new facets of my artistry and plasticity.”
Mentors and Inspirations
Gayko’s journey in ballet has been shaped by her mentors, including Ludmila Brzhozovskaya and Irina Savelieva, legends of Belarusian ballet. “Ludmila Brzhozovskaya and I grew together in the theatre,” Gayko said. “She was my teacher, and I was her student. She is the epitome of a true woman, a true person, with a deep and spiritual personality.”
Irina Savelieva, who taught classical dance at the choreographic school, was another significant influence. “She was a renowned ballerina in her time, a representative of the incredible Leningrad ballet school,” Gayko recalled. “She shaped our lives and careers, instilling in us not just professional knowledge but also the right human qualities: fairness, honesty, and perseverance.”
The Path to Success
Gayko’s path to success has been marked by her unwavering dedication and passion for ballet. “In choreographic school, we hung on every word our teacher said,” she remembered. “There was no room for laziness, offenses, or ‘I don’t want to.’ The only goal was to become a ballerina.”
Gayko joined the theatre in 1997 and quickly rose to become a soloist, performing leading roles, including the challenging Odette-Odile in “Swan Lake.” Her journey is a testament to her hard work, talent, and the guidance of her mentors.
For more information about Olga Gayko and her performances, you can visit the official website.
