With the ballet classic “The Sleeping Beauty” Sofia Opera and Ballet celebrates 40 years artistic activity of the prima ballerina Masha Ilieva.

To be remembered is her exceptional artistry, combined with excellent technique, temperament and bright stage presence.

“Giselle”
Photo: Personal archive

In the repertoire of the prima ballerina enter all big roles from the ballet playbill in this period: Giselle – “Giselle”, Kitri – “Don Quixote”, Odette-Odile – “Swan Lake”, La Sylphide – “La Sylphide”, Juliette – “Roméo at Juliette”, Aurora, The Lilac Fairy – “The Sleeping Beauty”, Madame Hortense – “Zorba the Greek” and many others.

“La Sylphide”
Photo: Personal archive

In the period 2001-2003, she was Artistic Director of the National Ballet – Sofia. Then the Bulgarian audience for the first time met Balanchine’s works and the original version of “La Sylphide” was staged.

“Giselle”
Photo: Personal archive

Since 2009, she has been répétiteur at Sofia Opera and Ballet, and in 2014, already as ballet stage director, Masha Ilieva revived the ballet classic “The Sleeping Beauty” on the stage of our National Opera and Ballet Theatre, preserving the ballet’s authenticity. The premiere took place on 14 November 2014 and enjoyed great success.

With Trifon Mitev in “Don Quixote”
Photo: Personal archive

The spectators of Sofia Opera and Ballet will have again the chance to enjoy the fairy-tale ballet classic “The Sleeping Beauty”, staging and direction by Masha Ilieva, on 11 and 12 February 2022 at 19:00 h. Both spectacles are celebration of the well-known Bulgarian prima ballerina, a gesture of gratitude and recognition for everything, which she has given and continues giving the Bulgarian ballet as artist, choreographer, coach, pedagogue and ballet stage director.

https://ladyzone.bg/laifstail/artbox/chestvat-40-g-tvorcheska-dejnost-na-masha-ilieva-s-nejnata-postanovka-na-spjashtata-krasavica.html