Zhanna Ayupova was born in Petrozavodsk in 1966. She graduated from Vaganova Ballet Academy (class of Prof. Ninel Kurgapkina).
Joined Mariinsky Theatre in 1984. Became First soloist in 1987.
Repertoire includes: Giselle (Giselle), Sleeping Beauty (Princess Aurora, Princess Florine), La Sylphide (Sylphide),
Nutcracker (Masha), Raymonda (Raymonda), Don Quixote (Kitri),
The Fountain of Bakhchisarai (Maria), Chopiniana (Valse in C Sharp minor, Mazurka, Nocturne),
K.Sergeyev`s Cinderella (Cinderella), Le Corsaire (Gulnarah, Medora), "Paquita" Grand Pas (variation, principal ballerina),
Swan Lake (Odette-Odile), La Bayadere (Nikia), "Esmeralda" Pas de six, Auber`s Grand Pas Classique, Die Puppenfee (Die Puppenfee), Romeo and Juliet (Juliet), Spectre de la Rose,
Petrushka (the Ballerina), Theme and Variations, Symphony in C (1st and 4th movements),
Serenade, Apollo (Terpsichore), Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Le Baiser de la Fee (Bride),
Middle duo, Jewels (Emeralds), Spring and Fall (by Neumeier), Manon (Manon).
Awards:
Honored Artist of Russia - 2002.
Prizewinner of The International Ballet Competition (Moscow, 1985).
