Russian plus-size ballet: There's more of me to love

Officially named the Eugene Panfilov Ballet of the Fat, the group has existed since 1994.

This serious ensemble is part of the Eugene Panfilov Ballet Theater in Perm, Russian city in the Urals (1442 km from Moscow).

There are women of various professions and ages among the group’s dancers.

‘We are looking for new dancers from 18 to 25 years old. The required weight is 90 kilos,’ says an announcement on the theater website.

'Plus-size' ballet is unlike Russian ballet in the traditional sense, yet it is still full of training sessions, rehearsals, shows, and concert tours.

The dancers do stretching exercises, adopt the twine position, and easily stand on pointe shoes.

The repertoire consists of single performances and full shows, with both classical and modern dances.

The group has crisscrossed Russia, and performed in Latvia, Germany and Great Britain.

The audience always gives the group a hearty welcome.

‘I’m often asked if it’s true I’m forced to eat. No, it’s not true!’ says ballerina Svetlana Chasova.

Plus-size ballerinas, like all artists, are passionate about dance and always do their best on stage.