Dancer Spotlight: Ludmila Malakhov
Photography by Melissa O’Gara
1. Tell us a little about your dance background, how long you have been dancing, and what inspired you to pursue ballet.
When I was four, I saw a video of the Mariinsky Ballet performing Sleeping Beauty and instantly fell in love with ballet. I was always particularly interested in the storytelling aspect — how much emotion and meaning you can express without words, only through movement. Thankfully, my parents recognized that joy and connection, and they supported me in pursuing ballet. I have been fortunate to perform classical and contemporary works, choreograph, and now have been teaching ballet for over a decade.
2. What are the specific challenges of portraying your character through dance in Little Women?
I play Marmee, who is very interesting and multifaceted as a character. As the matriarch of the March family, many of her interactions with the sisters impart life lessons derived from her own experiences. Although we see Marmee as a wise and resilient head of the family, there are also moments of vulnerability and limitation. The challenge lies in finding a way to show not just the depth of her love for her daughters, but also the depth and growth of her own character.
3. Can you describe your favorite dance or scene in Little Women and what makes it unique to you?
I love the Christmas scene! It beautifully captures the love shared within the family during the holidays and explores how those dynamics change over the years. There is so much storytelling within this section — a resounding reminder of what remains most important in life.
4. How do you approach telling a story through dance movements and expressions?
I try to think about how the story would be told and received in everyday interactions, then build off those natural movements and expressions to make them feel more grounded. I stay very present throughout each scene, responding to other characters’ expressions and cues to make the performance feel like a conversation rather than a choreographed sequence. Our cast includes such wonderful artists, which makes it easy to play off each other’s storylines in real time.
5. Have you found similarities between yourself and the character you portray in the ballet?
Marmee has a strong connection with Jo, as she sees many aspects of herself in her — especially her temper and fire. Over time, Marmee learns to overcome her weaknesses while allowing Jo to see her own shortcomings so she can find her path. This resonates with me, as we’re all constantly learning and growing, one day at a time.
6. What message or emotion do you hope to convey to the audience through your performance?
I hope to convey the never-ending depth of love that Marmee has for her daughters, and how that love shapes them into who they become as adults.
7. How do you work with the choreographer and fellow dancers to convey the overall narrative of Little Women through your movements?
We spend hours in rehearsal not just refining movement and musicality, but also our interactions with each other. We begin with a clear narrative of what each scene should portray, then gradually build nuances through expression, timing, and subtle gestures until it feels true to the story. Every performance is slightly different — sometimes a shift in timing or emotion changes the dynamic entirely, and that living quality keeps the story vibrant.
8. What do you hope the audience takes away from the production after watching your performance in Little Women?
I hope they leave the theater feeling inspired by the power of family and the strength that comes from supporting one another. The story celebrates the resilience of women and the pursuit of dreams, themes that still resonate deeply today. Ultimately, I hope audiences are reminded that love, hard work, and self-determination have the power to enrich and change our lives for the better.
