Anastasia Volochkova

About Anastasia Volochkova

Anastasia is a Moscow-based ballerina known for her high-profile classical career, independent solo work, media presence, and occasional controversies.
She danced as a leading soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet, earning the Prix Benois de la Danse in 2002 and the title of Honored Artist of Russia the same year. Her Bolshoi contract was terminated in 2003 amid reports that she was considered too tall and heavy for partners to lift. She has also acted, modeled (including for jewelry), appeared on television (such as the ice-show contest Ice Age), and earned an MBA.
She became publicly linked to Vladimir Putin’s political orbit when she joined the United Russia party in 2003, shortly after her Bolshoi dismissal; she was used as a glamorous celebrity supporter and “poster girl.” She left the party in 2011 after about eight years, stating she had been tricked into signing a petition condemning imprisoned oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky and criticizing the party in strong terms. She has also been outspoken against Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, affirming that for her Crimea remains part of Ukraine.
She has posed for nude photographs, appeared in television and film scenes involving partial nudity, and cultivated a glamorous, body-focused media persona alongside her ballet identity.
Anastasia continues to perform as a ballerina and public figure, dividing time between Saint Petersburg and Moscow, and remains active with solo projects and concerts. She maintains a visible presence through social media and occasional media coverage of her career, health, and personal life.