Vadim Sirotin was born on June 29, 1957, in the city of Leningrad. His journey in the world of ballet began in 1967 when he entered the prestigious Leningrad Choreographic School, which is now known as the Academy of Russian Ballet named after A.Y. Vaganova.
With dedication and talent, Vadim successfully completed his training at the Academy in 1975, earning him a position at the renowned Kirov Theater, now known as the Mariinsky Theater, located in his hometown of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg).
Throughout his career, he has brought to life various character roles through his exceptional artistry. Notable performances include the Spanish, Hungarian, and Mazurka dances in Swan Lake, Panaderos and Hungarian variation in Raymonda, as well as the Gypsy dance, Fandango, and Espada in Don Quixote. He has also portrayed Hans in Giselle, showcased his skills in the Hindu dance and Rajah roles in La Bayadère, and many other remarkable characters.
In 1999, Vadim furthered his passion for ballet by graduating from the pedagogical faculty of the Academy of Russian Ballet. Since 2000, he has been a dedicated teacher at the Department of Performance and Pedagogy of the Academy, where he currently holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Methodology of Teaching Character Dance.
His expertise extends beyond Russia’s borders as he has been invited to teach masterclasses on character dance in various countries since 2000. His knowledge and talent have been shared with eager students in Japan, Finland, Italy, and South Korea.
Furthermore, Vadim has showcased his choreographic prowess by creating captivating performances in Japan and South Korea. Among his notable works: The Nutcracker (choreography by Vainonen), Don Quixote (choreography by Gorsky), Le Corsaire (choreography by Petipa), Schéhérazade (choreography by Fokin), and La Bayadère (choreography by Petipa).
From 1999 to 2023, Vadim mesmerized audiences with his portrayal of Drosselmeyer in the Academy of Russian Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker.
In 2021, Vadim had the honor of collaborating with the English National Ballet in the United Kingdom, at the invitation of Tamara Rojo. Together, they worked on the ballet Raymonda, with choreography by Tamara Rojo after Petipa. He composed all the character dances for this remarkable production, which premiered in London in January 2021.
Continuing his international endeavors, Vadim ventured to Finland in 2022 to work with the Finnish National Opera on another rendition of Raymonda, once again choreographed by Tamara Rojo. This production premiered in Helsinki in February 2022, captivating audiences with its beauty and grace.
His dedication and talent were further recognized in October 2023 when he emerged as the winner of the Sakharova Open Russian Competition of Pedagogical Excellence, held in Perm, Russia. This prestigious accolade is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the world of ballet education.
In November 2023, Vadim had the privilege of sharing his expertise as he taught a masterclass in character dance at the Rudolf Nureyev International Ballet Competition in Ufa, Russia. His guidance and knowledge enriched the experience for aspiring dancers participating in this renowned event.
Vadim Sirotin’s career and artistic achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of ballet. His passion, talent, and dedication continue to inspire both dancers and audiences alike, ensuring his legacy as a true icon of the art form.