What is the best thing that I love about my work? As a ballet dancer, what I treasure most is the chance to embody different roles – to step into other lives, to feel and express emotions that might not even be mine, yet somehow become a part of me. Each character adds something to my own identity. As a teacher, what moves me most is knowing that my knowledge, and my passion for ballet do not end with me – it continues through students. Teaching is in a way a form of immortality.

What is my idea of happiness? It is a state of no limitations, not physical, or mental ones.

What is my greatest fear? It is a tricky question. I think there are two types of fear: an evolutional one, like rational fear of fire or wild animals, that is paramount for survival, and another irrational one, that is fuel for personal growth. If it’s scary, you need to move forward and stay brave to overcome irrational fear. I like the idea that the greatest potential to evolve is in fear.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? We are being constantly judged by society, therefore I think that judging yourself is inordinate.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? Honestly, I don’t think I can choose just one person. Ballet is a world shaped by so many incredible artists, each of whom brings something unique and irreplaceable. I admire dancers who have mastered the classical traditions as well as those who push the boundaries and bring something new to the art form.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? There is no such thing. If there is something I don’t like, I’m trying to change it. If it’s not in my will, I’m trying to deal with it.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? My first year of working in a ballet company. It was right after graduating from Vaganova Ballet Academy that I finally could show everything I learned, my skills and the abilities of my body. It was a year of everything new: new roles, new choreographers, new tours. A year I won an international ballet competition, a year I started studying for my master of choreography, and a year I started teaching ballet. For sure it was not a single year, but the first one is the brightest and happiest in my memory.

If I could, what would I change about myself? If we are talking about superpowers, I’d love to have enormous wings like a dragon and the ability to control time. But if it’s about how I look, or my character, then nothing.

What is my greatest achievement in work? As a dancer, I always creating my art in collaboration with other people. That might be my mentors, stage partners, choreographers, fans, dressers – I’m never alone. It’s complicated to choose only one episode of my career, because other people are always a part of every one of them, and by choosing one, I feel that I’m abandoning others.

Where would I most like to live? In ancient Babylon or Assyria.

What is my most treasured possession? Beauty and health, both mine and my loved ones.

What is my most marked characteristic? An ability to let go of situations and thoughts that do not serve me anymore.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? Predominantly I was living in Saint Petersburg in Russia. I adore this city and can talk about it for hours. For example, how fascinating it is to leave your home early in the morning during The White Nights, have a walk through a city centre with a takeaway coffee, and observe the awakening of a new day. But I live in Melbourne now, where I like Collins Street with its running trams, maples with lush branches and shops like Tiffany.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? It’s a Rubenstein’s street in Saint Petersburg, in Melbourne it’s an Entrecôte Restaurant and Eau de Vie bar.

What books influenced my life and how? I like various genres from Science fiction to memoirs. Usually I read several books at ones.

For instance, my current list of recommendations is “The End of Eternity” by Isaac Asimov, “Antifragile” by Nassim Taleb, and ballerina Tamara Karsavina’s memoirs.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Many years ago I created a playlist for an airplane crush. I don’t remember why. That list is mostly consists of Baroque music, Bach, Hendel, Vivaldi, and something from XX century, like Stravinsky.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? I cherish the Dorian Grey and his understanding of beauty and art. Alice from “Alice in Wonderland” – for me she is the embodiment of the ability to manifest wishes and manipulate reality.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Those who are hosting rescue houses for abandoned animals. You must be valiant and brave to help animals, facing their pain and cruelty from humans daily.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? “Dead poets society”

What role play stories in my life and work? Story is a story. It was in the past and already affected our presence. I prefer to focus on future.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? It means that I can be who and what I want.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My sister. She always supports and inspires me.

Which people or companies would I like to work with? I like to partner with major publishing house. I have a children’s book about ballet that I want to publish for a long time. It is an illustrated story of a ballerina Babaika, who is starting her journey in the world of ballet. It would be great to work with Harper Collins Publishers, Penguin Random House, International Masters Publishers, Thames & Hudson, and Phaidon Press. Also, I’d love to work with Japanese publishers like Kodansha and Shogakukan.

Also, I am fascinated by the educational idea of ballet not as a profession, but as a holistic synthetic art form. I would be glad to read a lecture at TED or TEDx.

What project am I looking forward to work on? To organise and manage my own ballet competition. It is crucial for young dancers to have an option to show their skills, participate in masterclasses, and reach new heights.

Where can you see me or my work?

I left the stage 3 years ago and currently, I am engaged in mentoring ballet activities.

You can find me on my YouTube channel, where I teach ballet bilingually, in English and in Russian. I have a website, an Instagram page and in-person masterclasses.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? This means it spreads among other people, multiplies and continues to live through them. For example, fans who have kept in memory a performance or a program with my autograph, in students who will carry my legacy throughout their lives and pass it on to their students.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? I would recommend: Olga and Maria Guseva – creators of first Russian book of Haute Couture table serving
Anastasia Senikova – ballet dancer and performer
Alisa Knatko – artist and illustrator
Deia Nira – slavic fantasy book author
Maia Makhateli – ballerina and performer
Kleopatra Mavridi – nutritionist MD

How can you contact me?
YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/@ballet_with_Nina
Website – http://www.ninaosman.com
Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/nina_osman_
LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-osmanova-445b3912b/
Email – nina.osman.babay@gmail.com