Vadim Muntagirov - Dancer of the Year 2021

Following the Critics’ Choice feature in the last issue of Dance Europe, we invited our readers to vote for the year’s outstanding dancer from the 12 Dancers of the Year nominated by our writers. And the winner was the Royal Ballet’s outstanding Russian principal, Vadim Muntagirov. AMANDA JENNINGS, one of the writers who initially nominated him, met up with him at the Royal Opera House to ask how the last year has been for him...



With thanks to
The Royal Ballet Press Office
Royal Opera House


Pianist
Michael Pansters

Filmed and produced by
Andrej Uspenski and Emma Kauldhar
© 2021

[misss]

He is absolutely adorable. Prodigiously talented, but so sweet and humble at the same time. Lovely interview.

[markbeck]

He's practically my favorite male dancer; his dancing is so clean, and I think he has great rapport with his partners. It's nice to hear him talk, and realize that he is a nice guy and well-spoken, thoughtful, as well.

[alwaysblake]

YouTube directed me here, and I'm so glad it did. Vadim is an intelligent, down to earth, fine young man--so much so that you can almost forget that he is one of the world's greatest dancers.

[dsanchezbrett]

I am so glad Vadim Muntagirov was the winner. Very nice interview. Vadim is so sweet and nice and an outstanding dancer. Congratulations!

[daisywitch]

Vadim is such a sweeheart and an incredible dancer, so talented !!

[daphnethurlow]

Vadim is such a modest guy..a lovely personality and magnificent dancer. A rare " breed" of dancer who just takes one's breath away when he dances..The Royal is fortunate to have interview..

[Missfrankiecat]

He's so sweet and modest. A brilliant technician with wonderful partnering skills - we are so lucky to have him in London.

[micheledames]

Vadim is THE most stunning dancer and gorgeous person🥰🥰🥰

[FannyPlusvi]

Good interviewer. She let him speak without interruptions. Good!

[mariewalmsley]

What a delightful personality! So much talent without a scintilla of arrogance. A beautiful spirit! His partnership with Marianela Nunez is a match made in heaven! ❤️

[veramentegina]

my goodness! such a lovely, talented, humble young man!!.. Love watching you on stage. Thank you Vadim for your dancing, it is a gift to us all.

[xueliwang]

Such a wonderful and talented dancer, I just adore him.

[laura_ach]

Not only a beautiful and perfect dancer, but also very intelligent I’m amazed how he speaks English that way like if it was his mother tongue

[pertelote]

What a lovely young man and such an accomplished dancer!

[rayolivarez]

This was an Amazing interview with Vadim Muntagirov in November, 2021. I just finished watching Stella Mikhal's 2017 ballet documentary "Agony & Ecstasy A Year With English National Ballet Episode 1" when he was just 20 years old. Thru the years, Vadim demonstrated maturity, intelligence and good command of the English Language with this interview. Kudos to Amanda Jennings, Dance Europe Writer, for making this possible.

[elizzy]

A good interviewer who allows her guest to speak at length. I hope the RB now assists its graduates a little better than in the past! In a way it was good that Muntagirov started at the ENB which led to his very successful partnership with Daria Klimentova, and lots of practice dancing the great classics, touring, etc. He is always a great pleasure to watch: a magnificent dancer and a lovely human being.

[milliemalloy]

Brilliant man and a brilliant dancer. Makes me very tingly every time I see him dance. What a talent, such elevation and precision.

[ihorperec]

For those who are curious it would be interesting to know that Vadim Mutagirov is an ethnic Tatar. Tatars are a tiny Muslim (but mostly secular) minority in Russia. Most Tatars live in Tatarstan and nearby regions including Chelyabinsk. Just a bit of trivia for those who would like to know more about him.

[penelopebutler]

This interview fits with how he comes across on stage. Committed, humble and giving of all. For me he has the excitement and flair of Nureyev coupled with outstanding technique and I get the sense he tries to get the best from his partner as well as himself. I have really enjoyed listening to him and excited to see him live in Swan Lake next year.

[nicolereding]

I remember him and Polunin at Grand Prix of Lausanne in 2006, he seemed a young man shy but when we saw him on stage it wasvperfect and 😻 😮🎉.insaw him on stage in December 2019 with the Great lady of the dance Marianela Nunez, a breathtaking pair in Coppelia, my best memory of ballet just before pandemic🎉🌹🌷💐