In 2019, Xander Parish – the only British dancer ever to be employed by the Mariinsky Ballet – was awarded an OBE for services to dance and Russia/UK relations. Since the invasion of Ukraine last year, the world has changed dramatically. Xander has a unique outlook on the situation, having lived and danced in Russia for over 10 years prior to the outbreak of war and, since fleeing Russia, has been at the forefront of efforts to help and support other dancers. The London Ballet Circle was privileged to be joined by Xander for an evening of animated and insightful conversation with dance writer Mike Dixon.
Mike started the discussion by asking Xander about his journey to the Mariinsky. Xander trained at the Royal Ballet School and graduated into the Royal Ballet, speaking warmly of the support and guidance he received from Monica Mason, director at the time. But, when asked to join the Mariinsky by Yuri Fateyev, who had tracked Xander’s career with interest for some time, he felt it was an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Xander provided a fascinating insight into the ruthless expectations of the Russian ballet, with “no boundary between work and home life” and a rigorous training schedule, including rehearsals directly after performances. Xander talked about dancing formative roles in Les Sylphides and the pas de trois in Swan Lake, and the close relationship he developed with the music directors at the Mariinsky.
However, the invasion of Ukraine changed everything. Xander said “he couldn’t possibly support the invasion” and decided to leave Russia with his wife. He recounted the difficulties he and his wife had, fleeing first to Estonia, then Georgia, before settling in Norway. He said “our bank cards didn’t work, we had no money, our belongings were still in St Petersburg. It was a very traumatic experience.” Xander emphasised, however, that “we are not against Russia. We are only against the war.”
Since leaving Russia, Xander has helped support other dancers wishing to leave and recently held a successful fundraising gala - Reunited in Dance - in the US. Xander has also joined Norwegian National Ballet as a principal and talked about his excitement at performing in a new production of The Sleeping Beauty – which he said is very modern and “totally different” to The Sleeping Beauty production at the Mariinsky.
Xander finished the talk by thanking the London Ballet Circle for their continued support.
A full report of this event will be available on this website in due course.
