Meet Russian State Ballet of Siberia's Anna Fedosova

Principal Dancer, Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Anna Fedosova

Formed in 1981, the company boasts a 40-strong corps de ballet who tour with a 30-piece orchestra

Here, principal dancer, 20-year-old Anna Fedosova gives an insight into life as a ballerina.

At what age did you start dancing and when did you join the Russian State Ballet of Siberia?

I started dancing at the age of 10 when I went to ballet school, I joined the Russian State Ballet of Siberia two years ago after graduating from the ballet school.

What does a typical day on tour involve?

I get up early, have breakfast, which I prepare the day before, then go for a walk . Then I travel to theatre and do a ballet class. After that there is rehearsal, then a short time to get ready for the performance. Then the show starts.

Do you have a favourite role?

I perform in all the ballets but my favourite is Swan Lake. It is the most beautiful and the most elegant role for a ballerina. Every little ballet girl dreams of dancing this role.

Do you have a specific warm-up and warm-down procedure before and after each performance?

Normally I need half an hour to warm up before going on stage, flexing and stretching legs and arms. I also keep my muscles warm between rehearsals and acts with wool-warmers and sweaters.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

My role of Odile in Swan Lake.

Any advice you would give to young ballet dancers?

Fall in love with dancing, with everything you do on stage and then the audience will fall in love with you.

Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Playhouse, Greenside Place, 7.30pm, Tonight - The Snow Maiden, Wednesday - Giselle, Thursday - Sleeping Beauty, Friday - Swan Lake, Saturday (also at 2.30pm) - The Nutcracker, £20.90-£45.90, 0844-871 3014