My Superhero Superstar

November 28, 2001

Forget his ridiculous leaps and irresistible stage presence—Ivan Vasiliev officially became one of my favorite people when he told Pointe that he’d “love to be tall, blond and have blue eyes…and Wolverine claws!” And, just FYI, the guy also has a remote-control helicopter that he can operate with his iPhone. If you haven’t yet read Laura Cappelle’s interview with the Bolshoi-turned-Mikhailovsky superstar, you’re missing out. Here are a few online exclusive extras from their conversation:

 

In reaching the top for you, how much was talent and how much was sweat?

It’s 100 percent work. Talent is just luck, but to fulfill it, you have to put in a lot of effort. I had many schoolmates who were incredibly talented, who had the perfect body, but they weren’t pushing. On stage, they were beautiful, but uninteresting.

 

What talent do you have that few people know about?

I have very hyperextended fingers. I could be in a freak show! I can also touch my nose with my tongue.

 

What advice do you have for students wanting to be professional dancers?

You should work! Work, lazy people! (He laughs.)