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Quote "Sacto7654" Well, Schklyarov and Obraztsova are still very young, so anything can happen.

Remember, it took a number of years before people realized what a great combination Vasiliev and Maximova became (both were already working together when they joined the Bolshoi troupe in the early 1960's and by the 1970's at their artistic peak everybody knew they were probably among the very best dancers in the Bolshoi troupe, period).
Schklyarov and Obratzova are a very different couple from Maximova and Vasiliev: The latter couple were a once in a century pair. Their partnership rivaled Fonteyn & Nureyev. But IMHO, Maximova & Vasiliev truly moved as one flesh as no other pair - and that includes F & N. It didn't take a number of years for Maximova and Vasiliev's greatness to be recognized. In 1959 at the Vienna World Youth Festival, (when they first joined the Bolshoi), they won a three way tie for the Gold Medal with Sizova & Nureyev and Markarova & Soloviev. In 1964 both he and Maximova won the Grand Prix Gold at Varna. By 1968 they were already considered living legends in Russia and the West, having received the first of many top Soviet honors which eventually included Orders of Lenin, Lenin Prizes etc. as well as countless international theatrical and dance awards. In 1960, Fyodor Luphukov pronounced Vasiliev, " . . . an unprecedented phenomenon with whom no one can be compared - including Nijinsky." Valery Panov and Baryshnikov both worshipped Vasiliev as a unique artist at the beginning of their careers: They followed and studied him extensively. Baryshnikov in particular, studied Vasiliev's then innovative Basil in "Don Q' - an interpretation that became the canon of performance virtuosity for all other male virtuosos to follow. Maximova also made Kitri her self portrait - also breaking major innovative ground in this role, via execution and interpretation such as executing the 32 fouttees with hands on hips - at
that time, a major feat. In fact, she held her own in this role vs. the reigning Bolshoi Kitri of that time - Maya Plisetskaya. Schklyarov is very good, but not a dancer without category as Vasiliev was. He's not as charismatic, versatile or as prolific as Vasiliev. Both Katya & Volodya proved themselves immediately - right out of Bolshoi Academy. They've set an extremely high standard as their duo versatility was unprecedented, and to date un-matched. At the conclusion of their Bolshoi performances, the Bolshoi stage usually became an
ocean of flowers and tributes: Today, we just don't see that kind of adulation or adoration anymore in ballet theatres - even for today's stars (or couples for that matter).
Obratzova is excellent, but nothing like Maximova in appearance, style or approach, although both are the same type of ballerina: Soubrette ingenue. With Galina Ulanova as her mentor, the latter transcended and exceeded that emploi and became a great artist and actress. Also, at the beginning of Maximova and Vasiliev's careers, they had the support of their theatre, and the (then) powers that were - pride of place among the Bolshoi greats. They were both superstars - each in their own right. No comparison here. Obratzova & Shklyarov haven't (yet) reached that kind of unique star status. By contrast, Obratzova is somewhat "ahead" of her husband at this point. Vasiliev further developed into a noted and credited choreographer and film director as well as AD of the Bolshoi. Moreover, Maximova & Vasiliev, whenever they appeared, wherever they appeared, did so as artistic equals - going higher and higher, from strength to strength, even with the many experimental roles they took on in the latter years of their careers.
Like Maximova & Vasiliev, Obratzova & Shklyarov are already well travelled. But unlike the former, the latter couple have guested abroad in order to get valuable experience and opportunities that IMO, haven't been granted nearly as liberally to them as to other active dancers at the Maryinsky. M & V were always among the best promoted and best featured (the 'A' Team) of the stars in the historic Bolshoi tours of 60s & 70s. Obratzova & Shklyarov have the potential for greatness, as you say, given time, with no breaks in their coaching, and with minimal to zero adverse managerial "politicking," they have an excellent shot.