From Small Steps to Big Leaps

by Vadim Muntagirov

This inspirational autobiography opens a window on the uniquely individual life of Vadim Muntagirov, one of the most celebrated dancers of our time. Vadim left home aged 10 to enter full time ballet training, arrived at The Royal Ballet School via the Prix de Lausanne aged 16 with no English, was cast as Albrecht in English National Ballet's Giselle aged 19 and danced Siegfried in Swan Lake at The Royal Albert Hall to considerable acclaim less than a year after graduating. Since then, with an expanded repertoire as a Principal with The Royal Ballet and in parallel demand as an international guest, Vadim's early promise has translated into a stellar career. Nicknamed Vadream, he is hugely admired and very much loved by audiences at home and abroad. Vadim's story affords a real insight into the intense work and level of commitment needed to rise to the top in ballet - and stay there. It enables readers to see the experiences which have shaped him, including the lasting effect of separation from his family, his rigorous early training, his discovery of a world beyond his homeland, and the unstinting support he has received in his adopted country as a student and during his years in the profession. This is a book which looks 'behind the scenes' and 'beyond the interviews' to reveal what is involved in becoming and being a Principal dancer, including the privilege of working with many ballet luminaries, the more informal moments, and the many etceteras which come with the job. But Vadim makes it about so much more than the daily 'ins and outs' as he shares his reactions, thoughts and emotions in a way which allows others to get to know him as a person.

Genres: Nonfiction

306 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2023

Reviews

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up!

I am completely bias because I'm a fan and am interested in anything ballet or dance related. It was really interesting to know about his upbringing and training, as well as the inner workings of a renowned ballet company.

I would say that the editing for this was really poor, lots of phrasing that didn't make sense, starts of sentences repeated straight after each other, incorrect punctuation (eg. "quote from someone:). I normally don't care if there's one or two but there were a lot in almost every chapter.

That being said, it didn't take away from the fact that I enjoyed reading it! #Vadream

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. I felt that it was full of emotion and the enthusiasm for ballet that only someone who truly loves ballet can have.
My son was one of the zoom teenagers who attended Vadim’s online classes for a few months over covid and he was so delighted to then actually do in person classes with him when covid restrictions lifted.
Thank you Vadim!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

You've got to love ballet to enjoy this, obviously and it helps to love Vadim too. He's still only in his early 30's, balletic prime for an exceptional dancer but his journey to superstar status at the Royal Ballet is an interesting one. Son of professional ballet dancers in Perm, Russia, he was destined from the earliest age for professional dancing in a culture which worships ballet. A chance encounter at an international competition in his mid teens resulted in him accepting an offer from the RB school. Amazingly, he wasn't snapped up by the main company on graduation but moved to the English Ballet Company where again, chance played a role in his swift rise to public notice when a guest partner's visa was delayed and he danced instead with aging ENB ballerina Daria Klimentova in Swan Lake (filmed for a Chanel 4 doc). Their chemistry was exceptional and they struck up a May/September partnership in the way of Nureyev/Fonteyn which extended Daria's career by some years and introduced him rapidly to an international audience with guest appearances. He went back to the RB and is now widely regarded as one of the best dancers in the world. His story is told straightforwardly and methodically. The section dealing with the pandemic is moving - the narrative feels more personal in revealing of the passion within his own quiet and unostentatious personality than most of the book - and the insight into the unseen aspects of rehearsal, travelling and partnering are interesting to the enthusiast. No gossip though. He remains a bit of an enigma.

[Rosanna Bickerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for any ballet lovers, particularly those who have a passion for The Royal Ballet in London. His transition from small steps in Russia to the supreme dancer that he now is, is heartfelt. All the small details of daily life are so interesting. He has no ego, he just loves ballet and giving his very best. 6 stars, if I could

[Isaac Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for Vadim.

[Amie Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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