Iana's Journey
Biography
"I have immeasurable love for ballet — I suppose that is why I feel happiest when I am dancing from dusk until dawn."
01 Iana's Early Life
1983-
Iana was born and raised in Kyiv. A latecomer to ballet at the age of 12, she nonetheless already had experience in ice skating and gymnastics. She began to focus on ballet when her father took her to a ballet school, and after only one year of training, she started to distinguish herself by winning first place in a major competition. At 14, she moved to Donetsk to continue training at the Pysarev Ballet School, directed by a well-known Ukrainian dancer: Vadym Pysarev.
"My dad was the one who inspired me to dance. He told me his dream was for me to dance for a queen one day."
02 Career Beginnings
1998-
Overcoming a serious back injury and anorexia at age 14, the following year Iana’s professional career took off at full speed. Pysarev told her, “Enough learning, time to work,” and she became his dance partner in many leading roles, dancing at his company, Donetsk Opera and Ballet Theatre. Iana became a soloist at Donetsk Opera and Ballet Theatre after she graduated. After winning first place in a prestigious Kyiv-based competition, she obtained a contract with Kyiv Opera House as a principal dancer.
"I gained so much so quickly. I needed to find even more ways to challenge myself to continue growing."
03 International Competitions
2004-
This desire for growth led Iana to travel the world in order to participate in different international competitions, from which she brought home a number of medals, such as 3rd Prize at the International Ballet Competition in Varna. During this competition, she met her future husband: Marian Walter, who was also a participant in the competition.
"Competitions helped me grow as a dancer, but they also unexpectedly changed my personal life."
04 New Life In Berlin
2005-
After meeting Marian Walter, who is a principal dancer at the Staatsballett Berlin, Iana auditioned and joined the company. In 2005, they entered together the International Ballet Competitions in Helsinki and in Nagoya, and Iana won First Prize in both competitions. Since 2007, she has been performing as a principal dancer in Berlin. Iana and Marian’s relationship has blossomed both professionally and personally, as not only do the two dancers continue to partner together on-stage, but they have also been blessed with three children. In 2024, Iana was awarded the prestigious honorary title of “Berlin Chamber Dancer”, an accolade her husband has also received and which makes them the only current chamber dancer couple.
"I am so grateful for what ballet has enabled me to do with my life. I have even been able to fulfil my father’s dream."
05 Dancing Worldwide
2007-
Since she joined the Staatsballett Berlin, she has danced leading roles and also received invitations for guest appearances in over 20 companies worldwide. In 2013, she made her Royal Ballet debut, partnering Steven McRae. Becoming a regular guest, she’s danced in a wide range of productions: Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Tchaikovsky Pas de deux, and many more.
"What really keeps me going every day is the desire to help my family back in Ukraine."
06 Iana's dedication to her homeland
2022-
In addition to her outstanding performances on stage, Iana’s commitment extends beyond the footlights. She’s dedicated herself to supporting her homeland, Ukraine, during the Russian invasion. In 2022, she initiated her charity gala, “Ballet for Life,” which benefits children in need. Through this annually held event, featuring professional dancers, Iana continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Ukrainian children.
References
Zarely, Iana Salenko – Principal dancer with Berlin State Ballet/ Guest – The Royal Ballet
Wikipedia – Iana Salenko
DANCE for YOU MAGAZINE – Iana Salenko becomes “Berlin Chamber Dancer”
