Kenya, May 19 -- Yuri Grigorovich, a famous choreographer from the Bolshoi Theatre, has died at the Central Clinical Hospital after fighting for his life for several days, according to news reports.
His death deeply affected his former student, well-known ballerina Anastasia Volochkova, who cried as she shared her memories of him in an interview with StarHit.
Volochkova spoke about her last visit with Grigorovich a year ago at a health resort in Barvikha.
She wanted to bring him his favourite fruit, persimmons, but said that his nephew, who will inherit his estate, and his press secretary did not allow her to see him, saying, "Yuri Nikolaevich can't see you."
However, Volochkova still managed to meet her mentor in secret. She shared a sad secret that Grigorovich told her: "I have a video where Grigorovich says, 'You are the only one visiting me; all the artists from the Bolshoi have forgotten me.'"
She also claimed that Grigorovich was moved to another hospital to keep visitors away and eventually ended up in intensive care.
Thinking back on their relationship of 30 years, Volochkova remembered their first meeting in 1996 at the Serge Lifar International Ballet Competition, where she won a gold medal while he was a judge.
They often met at competitions and concerts, and he played a crucial role in her career at the Bolshoi Theatre. "He played an important role in my life," she said, remembering how he supported her when she left the Bolshoi in the early 2000s.
Volochkova shared that Grigorovich stood by her when she was pressured to leave the Bolshoi for the English National Ballet.
"He waited two years for my contract to end, flew to London, and brought me back to Russia," she said, describing their emotional reunion with her and her mother.
Later, after the premiere of Swan Lake with Nikolai Tsiskaridze, Grigorovich warned her, "Nastya, at the Bolshoi, they do not tolerate incredible people. You will face things you've never seen."
Volochkova said his words came true when she was "illegally fired" from the Bolshoi after a breakup with a powerful man. Afterward, Grigorovich welcomed her to his Premiere Theater.
She also expressed her deep sadness after the death of Grigorovich's wife, Natalia Igorevna, calling it a personal tragedy.
Although the funeral service was at the Bolshoi, Volochkova initially could not attend. She remembered Grigorovich defending her, taking her hand and scolding the guards: "Shame on you! There is no conscience."
Grigorovich was a highly respected figure in ballet, known not just in Russia but also around the world for his important contributions to dance.
His death marks the end of a significant time in ballet, leaving a legacy that students like Volochkova will continue to remember and honor.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.