by InTrieste
In a surprise announcement, the SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana has unveiled a dazzling addition to its upcoming production of Don Quixote. Ukrainian ballet luminary Iana Salenko, a prima ballerina with the Berlin State Ballet, will perform as Kitri for the first three shows at Teatro Verdi, scheduled for November 30, December 1, and December 3.
The production, running through December 6, promises to captivate audiences with Salenko’s celebrated artistry. Known for her technical brilliance and emotive depth, Salenko first debuted in the role of Kitri at London’s Royal Opera House in 2013, earning widespread acclaim.
Born in Kyiv, Salenko’s rise to stardom is as inspiring as her performances. She trained at the Pisarev Ballet School in Donetsk, graduating in 2000, before joining the Donetsk Ballet. Her journey took her to the Kyiv Opera Ballet, where she danced as a principal, and eventually to the Berlin State Ballet in 2005. Over the years, she ascended through the ranks to become one of its leading stars.
Her repertoire includes iconic roles such as Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Marie in The Nutcracker, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Internationally, Salenko has graced stages in Florence, Munich, Moscow, and Rome, dazzling audiences with her interpretations of classics like Giselle and The Nutcracker.
Salenko’s accolades include top honors at the Helsinki and Nagoya International Ballet Competitions, cementing her status as one of the foremost ballerinas of her generation. Her worldwide guest appearances have made her a sought-after figure in the ballet world.
Trieste audiences now have the rare opportunity to witness Salenko’s artistry in a role that epitomizes grace and vigor. For three performances, her Kitri will infuse the Teatro Verdi stage with the electrifying energy and elegance that have become her signature.
Tickets for the performances are expected to sell quickly, as ballet enthusiasts flock to Trieste for a glimpse of a star at the height of her powers.
