Mikhail kaniskin: Reinvent the art of Ballet
"Maybe as dancers we have certain limitations for now, but as artists we can still do many things ”. Under this premise, Mikhail kaniskin, first dancer of the StaatsBallett Berlin, managed to join forces with his wife and colleague, the first dancer Elisa Carrillo, to organize the third edition of the Danzatlán International Festival, with the necessary adaptations and new formats for the world scenario that has shaped the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We had everything ready for Danzatlán 2020, Company promotions and live programming were about to come out. When the pandemic broke out, it was clear that we would have to cancel everything ”, Mikhail remembers even with a bit of anguish. But nevertheless, These difficulties marked the beginning of a total evolution of the Danzatlán festival, of which he is artistic director.
Mikhail and Elisa they had a decisive conversation. "Many people live from ballet, confinement total in Europe happened from one moment to another, people were not ready and it was something very strong. Being all isolated, and in conversations with our friends in Italy, Spain and France, we were told that it is very difficult to have being at home at the expense of what's on television or what's In Internet. From Mexico, people started asking about the festival, So Elisa and I said that we were not going to give up. ".
After calling the directors and dancers of the companies that would participate, everyone decided to help and carry out Danzatlán 2020 in digital format.
"The ballet online"
The account of Instagram one of the most important dancers in the world today has barely 31 publications. This is how foreign Mikhail Kaniskin remained until recently with respect to the digital world. "I was never very close to computers or social networks because it is not my area and I did not have time before, but given the current panorama I had the need to open other doors, now digital, to be able to work with choreographers, dancers and organize everything. The best example is what we achieved with ‘Infinita Frida’, and the next broadcast of the Kremlin Gala”.
As part of the festival, and as a new interactive proposal with dance, Danzatlán's team designed a Ballet-Quest based on the work 'Infinita Frida'. This ballet, del coreógrafo Yuri Smekalov, to the music of Alexander Maiev, was first presented in Mexico during 2013, and later at the Aleksandriiskii Theater, in St. Petersburg.
After hard work done remotely for two months of confinement, this unprecedented digital work was born, about Frida Kahlo. "When I saw the end result I wanted to cry, each person interpreted their part of the ballet in their own way, and then we mount it virtually. In order to achieve it, it was necessary to think as an artist, work as an artist, and not just stay in the dancer's job. It is a perfect example of how you can live and continue your artistic life despite any difficult situation ”.
“Mexican Premiere of the Kremlin Gala”
Mexico and Russia share very particular traits in the cultural, among them, that Mikhail Kaniskin is the artistic director of his most important dance events nationwide: ‘The Kremlin Gala’, and the ‘Gala Elisa and Friends’.
"This year, which is commemorated on 130 anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries, I requested permission from the Vladimir Vinokur Foundation to present the best of the latest 5 years at the ‘Kremlin Gala’, exclusively. Some of the works we have already brought to Mexico with the ‘Gala Elisa and friends’, to venues like the Mexiquense Cultural Center, Fine arts, and in other states ”.
Beyond adaptations for each country, Mikhail is very clear about his guidelines regarding both major events: "The Kremlin Palace is the heart of Russia, and the ‘Kremlin Gala event. 21st century stars ’brings together all the international stars to present their art in Russia. That is what we try to do with the El Gala Elisa and friends’ in Mexico".
"We want to contribute to culture in Mexico"
The collaboration and exchange in the field of dance between Mexico and Russia has been constant, largely due to the work of the Elisa Carrillo Cabrera Foundation. Every year, the Danzatlán festival offers master classes with ballet stars, awards scholarships to young Mexicans to study in Russia, and pedagogues from institutions such as the St. Petersburg Vaganova Academy have implemented academic update programs for Mexican dance teachers.
"We provide an ingredient of many as a foundation. Both people, as the government need to do their part, and so we can achieve great things with art, because Mexicans are very talented; you live with many colors, surrounded by dance, of music, of beauty. Mexico is a great melting pot, has a huge heritage, and both children and teachers must continue learning ”.
diplomat ”Dance Pedagogy ’. Vaganova Academy in Mexico 
Elisa Carrillo scholarships for Mexican children
Mikhail Kaniskin and Elisa Carrillo have no dance history in their family, however today they are prominent figures in international ballet. By the way, Mikhail mentioned that there is no recipe for success, "But it all lies in loving deeply and truly what you do in your life. Nothing is easy, but with love you can free all the difficulties that will come your way, and that's my recommendation for young people, love and do things with passion, success will follow.
"Art opens a path in your soul, a path of humanity and beauty ”
Mikhail remarked the importance of Danzatlán for Elisa Carrillo, since it has become on a very important platform to promote dance in Mexico, and I wanted offer a meaningful cultural option during confinement.
"The objective of Danzatlán is to bring the best of world dance to the Mexican public. We wish that many girls and boys can dedicate themselves to this beautiful art, or at least enjoy it, as, as Elisa says, ‘When a child is holding a violin, he's never going to wield a gun ’. When you get close to art, becomes a constant in your life; once you know who Pushkin is, Dostoievsky, Tchaikovsky, o Nureyev, your interests change, it makes a difference ”.
"Live life!”
Before concluding our conversation, Mikhail invited all the public to follow the transmissions of Danzatlán and to enjoy the wide digital cultural offer that we have internationally, while I continue confinement in Mexico.
"I hope all the people are very healthy, the Covid-19 crisis it will happen, hopefully as soon as possible, so that we can enjoy our life and breathe with all the soul, as we have done before. And as Frida said: 'Live life!’, although it will be different, because already we see it here in Berlin, but it is important not to lose sight of the light, keep hold your head high and walk with an open soul ”.