Natalia Romanovna Makarova, a celebrated Russian prima ballerina and choreographer of international acclaim, came into the world on November 21, 1940, in the city of Leningrad, which was then a part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic within the vast and diverse Soviet Union.
As a young girl, Natalia's passion for dance was already evident, and at the tender age of 12, she took the bold step of auditioning for the prestigious Leningrad Choreographic School.
Makarova's illustrious career traversed a significant span of time, with her securing a permanent position within the esteemed Kirov Ballet in Leningrad from the year 1956 to 1970, subsequently rising to the prestigious title of prima ballerina during the 1960s.
As her artistic trajectory continued to unfold, Makarova made the bold decision to defect to the Western world in 1970, choosing to do so while on tour with the Kirov in the vibrant city of London.
Following her defection, Makarova began to perform with the renowned American Ballet Theatre in the iconic city of New York, as well as with the esteemed Royal Ballet in the British capital of London.
Makarova's westward journey marked the beginning of a new chapter in her illustrious career, as she endeavored to broaden her choreographic repertoire by incorporating ballets created by innovative modern choreographers, while simultaneously maintaining her strong affinity for classical roles, including the iconic dual role of Odette/Odile in Swan Lake and the ethereal Giselle.
Makarova's artistic trajectory continued to unfold with remarkable distinction, her crowning achievement being the iconic title role in the timeless ballet masterpiece, Giselle. As the curtain closed on her illustrious career abroad, she made the poignant decision to return to her roots, reuniting with the Kirov Ballet, the esteemed institution that had nurtured her talent in the early years of her professional journey. This emotional homecoming was met with widespread acclaim, and her story was subsequently immortalized on film in the documentary, Makarova Returns, which she not only wrote but also presented to the world, a testament to her multifaceted artistic prowess and enduring legacy.
Makarova's illustrious career as a principal dancer at the Kirov Ballet came to a close following her remarkable performance at the esteemed institution, where she generously bestowed her cherished shoes and costumes to the Kirov Museum, a testament to her enduring legacy.
Subsequently, Makarova has dedicated herself to the art of ballet direction, meticulously staging iconic productions such as the enchanting Swan Lake, the majestic La Bayadère, and the timeless Sleeping Beauty for companies across the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet.
In addition to her impressive achievements in the realm of dance, Makarova has also garnered widespread recognition and acclaim for her captivating performances on the Broadway stage, ultimately culminating in the prestigious Tony Award, as well as numerous other accolades, for her outstanding portrayal in the Broadway revival of the beloved classic, On Your Toes.
