Not only does Irina Kolesnikova embody the Russian aesthetic for the role so completely but she performs like a finely-tuned engine, with every cog and piston gliding perfectly into place. Kolesnikova pirouettes effortlessly on the spot and dances the adagio movements with awesome control.



Kolesnikova deserves fulsome credit for creating an Odile that is equally convincing as an imposter and an impersonator, with both a clever delineation of the two roles and an expressive dramatic performance to run alongside the strength of her technique.



Irina Kolesnikova is a sublime ballerina and the six years that have elapsed since she last trod the boards in London have done nothing to diminish her technical, dramatic and artistic qualities. She is outstanding dancer.