A celebrated dancer and choreographer, Nadja Saidakova brings a wealth of experience to Olympic Ballet Theatre with her latest work, Elegia. After a long career as a principal dancer with Staatsballett Berlin, Nadja has expanded her artistry into teaching, coaching, and choreography. We spoke with her about the creative process behind Elegia.
What inspired the choreography of your new piece for OBT?
I envisioned the costumes as light, airy, and delicate, creating the illusion of floating through space. I wanted the clothing to allow the dancers to move freely without constraints. OBT co-artistic director Mara Vinson and OBT costumer Doris Black helped turn my design sketch into these beautiful costumes.
OBT Co-Artistic Director Mara Vinson (left) and Nadja Saidakova (right) working on costumes for Elegia. Photo by Hadley Kaufmann.
This is your first time working with OBT dancers – what has that experience been like?
It’s been a wonderful process of collaboration with this group! Every company brings new energy and ideas to the choreographic experience. OBT dancers are incredibly open to new ideas and eager to learn. I wanted to find an individual approach to each dancer and give them an opportunity to express their unique artistry and talents.
Nadja Saidakova leading Elegia rehearsal. Dancers from left to right: Taylor Lim (company dancer) Sophie Powell (company dancer), Shayne Solomon (trainee) and Evelyn Gohl (trainee). Photo by Katya Turnbow.
What do you hope the audience will take away from this production?
I hope they walk away from this performance with love in their hearts and kindness in their souls. Ballet is such an incredible form of art – with its classical beauty and contemporary creativity. For all the effortless elegance we see on stage, there are thousands of hours the dancers spend working hard in the studio. I wanted to showcase all the beauty and strength that the dancers’ bodies are capable of after those years of dedicated training.
How did you transition from dancing to teaching and choreographing?
I have been always interested in expanding my creative work, so even as a principal dancer at Staatsballett Berlin, I sought opportunities to try my skills as a teacher, a repetiteur, and an assistant choreographer. I love all those aspects of ballet, and I enjoy teaching company dancers and coaching soloists for the roles I used to perform. But nothing compares to the thrill of creating a new choreography where I can express my thoughts and feelings fully through the movement. I absolutely love being a choreographer!
Nadja Saidakova and OBT company dancer Ria Adachi in Elegia rehearsal. Photo by Hadley Kaufmann.
You had a very long career as a dancer! Do you have a favorite role?
Yes, I have been very fortunate to have a long and fulfilling career as a dancer. After I graduated from the Perm State Ballet Academy in Russia, I danced for 28 years – 26 of them in Germany. I performed on some of the most incredible stages in the world and worked with some of the best choreographers of our time. My roles included classical, neoclassical, and contemporary repertoire. This rich experience left me with a deep love and appreciation for the art of dance. So, it’s impossible to say which role was my favorite! In those 28 years, I found something new and exciting in every production. And I loved my life on stage.
Nadja Saidakova and Vladmir Malakhov. Photo by Enrico Nawrath.
Coming to Seattle from Berlin, what surprises you most about the city?
I didn’t expect this area to be so beautiful! I love the trees, nature, and especially the fresh air!
See Elegia, in Debuts February 15 and 16, 2025 at Edmonds Center for the Arts!