Timofej Andrijashenko was the first ballet dancer at La Scala Theater and had received the prestigious position only two years after joining the company. Talent, perfect technique, elegance and intensity are characteristics that represent the Latvian dancer, born in 1994. Timofej began studying dance at the age of just nine at the State National Academy in Riga. He then moved to Italy to continue training at the Russian Ballet College in Genoa, directed by Irina Kashkova, who immediately believed in his potential. Timofej has many professional achievements, including the gold medal he won at the 12th Moscow International Ballet, a kind of dance Oscar, the highest award for a classical dancer. In November 2014, he was promoted to dance at the corps de ballet of the Alla Scala Theatre in Milan. A path of great ascent with the pleasure of sharing with his partner Nicoletta Manni.
1 When you enter the stage, what are the feelings you get?
The feelings I experience as I enter the stage are different and conflicting each time: excitement, anxiety,
adrenaline and fear. Besides the physical sensations of feeling muscles, contractures, etc. The scariest thing each time is not knowing how it will go. That is why I focus on the interpretation of the character rather than simply trying to enjoy myself, because after all, our passions serve to gratify the heart and soul!
2 The first time you played a big role, when was it and what did you feel?
The first time in a leading role was in 2015 as Count Albrecht in Giselle. I was making my debut together with Nicoletta. I didn’t sleep that night…nothing, not even an hour. Fortunately, there are few times when the
excitement is at that level. But it was wonderful! An experience I vaguely remember it because I was
excited and adrenaline-fuelled.
3 Today, you are the principal dancer in the corps de ballet of La Scala. What does this mean to you?
It is an important goal. Many young dancers dream of becoming first dancers, all of them I would say. For
me, it was a great recognition from our theatre, but of course it was just another beginning. It is one of the
many goals we set ourselves in our careers and by reaching them we realise that it was not over. It is a great responsibility because I represent La Scala; an important name on the world artistic scene, and I
realise that I also have a responsibility to set an example for the new generations.
4 What memories do you have of his childhood?
I come from a simple family, but on the contrary, I have never felt the lack of anything.
There is plenty of snow during the winter. All white! Summer at the Baltic Sea. Endless beaches and long bike rides through pine forests. Everything you could wish for as a child!
5 Your partner is Nicoletta Manni, or rather I would soon say future wife. But is it true that you met as enemies in a competition?
Enemies is a strong word, I would say adversaries. Yes, we first met at a dance competition in Milan, where I was still a student at the dance school and she was part of a dance company. Obviously, she won.
6 Recently, you were awarded ‘Mr. Big The Gentleman Award’, what did this award mean to you?
It was an evening where I felt truly honoured. We nominated kindness and nobility of spirit. Other
outstanding people I got to know were awarded. Again, I thank those who thought of me.
7 Who inspired you in dance?
So many artists have inspired me in my career, from Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov to Roberto
Bolle and Nicoletta. They are dancers of incredible generosity, but I find their most important characteristics to be their determination and artistic thirst.
8 Offstage, who is Timofej?
I am a curious, adventurous guy. I have many interests: I love the sea and good food (Nicoletta is a fantastic cook).
9 A role you have played which you felt the closest to?
It is difficult to say which role I feel closest to. I can say that in every role I prepare, I look for characteristics which I can understand and internalise the most, in order to be able to personalise it by making it as natural as possible. Then of course, personal life experiences have a huge impact on interpretation because you don’t know what certain emotions are until you actually experience them in life.
10 What commitments do you currently have professionally?
We have just returned from a series of performances in Dortmund, Germany. The next two dates, the 27th and the 30th June will be Romeo and Juliet at our own La Scala Theatre. On the 8th July we will dance in La Traviata at the Arena di Verona and then tour with Roberto Bolle and his Friends.
11 A hidden desire of yours?
Each of us have some, maybe even more than one. But they are hidden.
12 Future projects?
My life gives me incredible experiences.
Interview By Gabriella Chiarappa