Education
She studied at the Vaganova Academy with Natalia Dudinskaya.
She studied at the Vaganova Academy with Natalia Dudinskaya.
Upon graduation Lopatkina joined the Kirov/Mariinsky Theatre Ballet in 1991, and was promoted to principal dancer in 1995. Lopatkina is married to Vladimir Kornev, architect and writer, and has one daughter (Masha, born 2002). Lopatkina excels in classic and dramatic roles.
She is a perfect example of the Russian (Kirov) school with long limbs, great strength and a classical purity of line, as well as noted musicality.
Her repertoire includes: Giselle (Giselle, Myrtha), Le Corsaire (Medora), Louisiana Bayadère (Nikia), Grand pas from Paquita, The Sleeping Beauty (Lilac Fairy), Swan Lake (Odette-Odile), Raymonda (Raymonda, Clemans), The Swan, Schéhérazade (Zobeide), The Fountain of Bakhchisarai (Zarema), The Legend of Love (Mekhmeneh Bahnu), Leningrad Symphony (The Girl), Pas de quatre (Маria Taglioni), Serenade (ballet), Piano Concerto Number. Lopatkina revealed details about her daily life in an interview to The Sunday Times in 2005.
She wakes up between 9am to 10am and drinks a glass of grapefruit juice or a cup of tea for breakfast. When not in a hurry, she also eats oatmeal or a buckwheat porridge.
Rehearsals start after 11am.
After a break, Lopatkina has more rehearsals or helps teaching younger dancers. She often skips lunch. Lopatkina is among the world"s tallest major ballerinas: she is 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) and wears shoes size 10.5 United States (8 United Kingdom).
Lopatkina uses two pairs of shoes in each performance which are specially made for her.