What Makes David Hallberg and Natalia Osipova So Magical Together?

March 16, 2020

On the surface, intercontinental ballet stars David Hallberg and Natalia Osipova would seem to make unlikely partners. He’s an American paragon of elegant princeliness; she’s an explosive Russian powerhouse who seems to mock the laws of gravity.

But since they first danced together in 2009, they’ve moved audiences to tears as Romeo and Juliet, and sent chills through spines as Giselle and Albrecht. Whether at American Ballet Theatre, The Royal or the Bolshoi, each time they’re together they bring out new depths in each other’s artistry.

David Hallberg cradles Natalia Osipva's head in his hands in this dramatic closeup

The dancers used to be only able to communicate with each other through movement. Photo by Stephanie Berger, courtesy Sadler’s Wells

Yet until this season, no choreographer had ever created a new work on the pair. Enter Alexei Ratmansky. Arguably today’s preeminent ballet choreographer, he not only has a reputation for bringing out the best in his muses, but he also has deep experience with both dancers. Hallberg originated a role in Ratmansky’s first work for ABT (On the Dnieper) a decade ago and has worked with him several times since; Osipova was given her first major opportunities at the Bolshoi when Ratmansky was its ballet director and later originated the title character in his Firebird.

The trio had three weeks together in the studio last summer to create a seven-minute duet, Valse Triste. It’s the centerpiece of an evening called Natalia Osipova’s Pure Dance with David Hallberg, a Sadler’s Wells co-production with New York City Center.

Although the work has no overt narrative, the dancers saw their personal relationship reflected in the characters: She at times runs across the stage tumultuously, while Hallberg provides a calming, comforting presence. “That’s kind of our partnership and friendship in a nutshell,” says Hallberg, with a laugh.

After debuting at Sadler’s Wells last September, Valse Triste has its U.S. premiere at New York City Center April 3–6. The program also includes Hallberg and Osipova together in Antony Tudor’s The Leaves Are Fading. Jason Kittelberger joins Osipova in Roy Assaf’s Six Years Later, and Jonathan Goddard partners her in Flutter, a premiere by Iván Pérez.

Photo by Stephanie Berger, courtesy Sadler’s Wells

Photo by Stephanie Berger, courtesy Sadler’s Wells

Photo by Stephanie Berger, courtesy Sadler’s Wells

When the pair first started working together a decade ago, Osipova spoke no English, and Hallberg spoke no Russian. But that inability to communicate through speech had a sublime effect: The dancers became hyperaware of how everything felt, relying solely on the energy between them to connect. And it electrified the air around them.

While their performances remain as thrilling as ever, Hallberg has picked up some Russian from his time with the Bolshoi and Osipova has gained a solid grasp of English while living in London. Where they used to go their separate ways after rehearsal, they’re now dear friends. Dinner together can last for hours, then turn into a stroll that leads to a cup of coffee, more talking and walking, then maybe a glass of wine.

“What typically happens are these epic sort of evenings,” says Hallberg. “Before you know it, seven hours have gone by.”