Rostislav Zakharov(1907-1984)

Rostislav Vladimirovich Zakharov was born in 1907, in Russia. He studied acting and dance in St. Petersburg. From 1930-1936, Zakharov was an actor and choreographer at the Kirov Theatre in Leningrad (now Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg). There he choreographed his first version of "Zolushka" (Cinderella) on the music of Sergei Prokofiev. From 1936-1960, Zakharov was the principal choreographer at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. There he directed and choreographed the definitive version of "Zolushka" (Cinderella) on the music of Sergei Prokofiev. The Bolshoi Theatre production was adapted to film Cinderella (1961) starring Raisa Struchkova in the title role. Rostislav Zakharov co-directed the film and also contributed to the script and choreography. From 1951 - 1983 he was a professor of the State Institute of Theatrical Art (GITIS) in Moscow. Rostislav Zakharov was awarded the State Prize of the USSR (twice), he was designated the title of People's Actor of the USSR (1969).