Diamonds: Olga Smirnova on Grace, Brilliance, and Becoming

George Balanchine’s Jewels is often described as a celebration of pure dance — a ballet without narrative, yet rich in meaning. Created in 1967, it unfolds in three distinct parts: Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds, each inspired by a gemstone and a different ballet tradition.
Among them, Diamonds stands as an homage to the grandeur of Imperial St. Petersburg and the classical Russian heritage that shaped Balanchine himself.

It is within this world of refinement, nobility, and light that Olga Smirnova offers a deeply personal and illuminating perspective.

Olga Smirnova on Diamonds: Inner Light and Regal Presence

“For me, Diamonds represents the style of Imperial St. Petersburg,” Olga Smirnova explains. “The female lead is regal, sublime, and mysterious.”

Rather than seeing the role as a distant icon of perfection, Smirnova imagines her as a young woman — perhaps at a debutante ball — who, for the first time, becomes aware of her own beauty through the gallant admiration of her partner.
It is a moment of transformation: the instant when grace evolves into self-awareness, and elegance becomes confidence.

This inner awakening is what gives Diamonds its emotional depth. Beneath the crystalline technique and formal structure lies a human story — one of growth, recognition, and quiet power.

Translating Diamonds into Light and Design

This vision of brilliance and self-discovery inspired the creation of a model defined by luminosity and refinement.
“Through rich decorations and ornate patterns, we wanted to create an effect of brilliance,” Smirnova says, “as if the surface itself were sparkling.”

Just as Balanchine’s choreography captures light through movement, the design echoes that same radiance — enhancing the dancer without overpowering her, allowing elegance and strength to coexist.

A Defining Role at the Bolshoi Ballet

Smirnova’s relationship with Diamonds is not only artistic, but deeply personal. She made her debut in the ballet during her very first season with the Bolshoi Ballet, an experience that would mark the beginning of a pivotal chapter in her career.

She prepared the role with Merrill Ashley, the iconic American ballerina and one of Balanchine’s most celebrated muses.
“She taught me the true Balanchine style,” Smirnova recalls — a style defined by clarity, musicality, and an almost invisible precision.

“I will always be grateful to her,” she adds, “for believing in me and for the precious knowledge she shared.”

A Ballet That Shaped a Career

Looking back, Smirnova recognizes Diamonds as a turning point.
“I believe this piece played a huge role in my career,” she reflects, “because it brought me significant international recognition.”

More than a role, Diamonds became a mirror of her artistic identity — one that reflects discipline, sensitivity, and an unmistakable inner light.

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When Confidence Begins Before the Curtain Rises

Through Olga Smirnova’s words, Diamonds reveals itself not simply as a ballet, but as a metaphor: a journey toward self-awareness, where confidence is born long before the dancer steps onto the stage.

A quiet brilliance.
A poised presence.
A light that does not demand attention — yet cannot be ignored.

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