Born in Lutsk (Ukraine). In 1989 she entered the Kiev Choreography School (class of Valeria Sulegina). After participating in the international contest “Vaganova Prix” in Saint Petersburg she accepted the invitation to enter the famous Vaganova Ballet Academy. She graduated from the class of Elena Evteeva and was accepted into the legendary ballet company of the Mariinsky Theatre where she soon became a soloist under the tutorship of a famous ballet dancer and the People’s artist of Russia Olga Moiseeva.
Having received her official ‘prima’ status at the age of 18, Svetlana continued her work for the Mariinsky Theater expanding her repertoire with classical and modern pieces. Zakharova is on tour to every part of the world: New York Metropolitan Opera, London Covent Garden, The Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, Teatro di san Carlo in Napoli, Vienna Opera, National Theater in Tokyo, stages in many cities of Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. La Scala signs a long-term contract with her and awards her with the status of étoile.
In 2003 Svetlana Zakharova decided to join the ballet company of the Bolshoi Theater where she now holds the position of the prima ballerina.
Svetlana Zakharova is, in equal measure, a unique and universal performer of classical heritage ballets and she demonstrates her mastery in Russia and all over the world. Staying strong in the pursuit of her goals, the ballerina continues to expand her repertoire with the modern pieces and programs. Without fear, she experiments and makes use of the modern technical capabilities.
People’s artist of Russia. In 2006 she becomes a member of the Presidential Council for Culture and Art. In 2007, for the talented embodiment of scenic images, development of great traditions of the Russian Ballet, Svetlana Zakharova was awarded with the State Prize of the Russian Federation. Among her awards The Golden Mask award (twice), Benois de la Danse award (twice), the Soul of Dance award, etc.