Why Plishetskaya Looked Better at 70 Than Modern Stars at 30

On her 70th birthday, Maya Plishetskaya made her debut in the "Ave Maya" performance, created for her by French choreographer Maurice Béjart. Imagine: a ballerina who could be a great-grandmother stepping onto the stage and outshining many modern stars with her grace. How did she do it?

• Plishetskaya danced until 65, and even at 70 she performed on stage, stunning everyone with her grace;
• Like all asthenics, Maya Mikhailovna was slim as a birch tree, with a light skeleton and a swan-like neck;
• "There's no escaping wrinkles... But looking young for old age is ridiculous";
• Maya Plishetskaya believed that maintaining her figure was helped by the golden rule: eat as little as possible, and move as much as possible;
• Maya Mikhailovna had no habit of hiding her age; on the contrary, she took pride in a fulfilled life.

Genetics as Beauty's Starting Capital

Maya Plishetskaya was fortunate to have an asthenic somatotype—also known as a ballet physique. Like all asthenics, she was slim like a birch tree, with a light skeleton and swan-like neck, delicate facial features, and a high forehead. Nature gave her an ideal base, but it wasn't just about that.

Knowing the diet of ballerinas, one might think her figure was a result of strict diets. But in reality, she didn't gain extra weight due to her fast metabolism. This is a rare case where genetics work for a person throughout their life.

Movement as a Philosophy of Life

Plishetskaya never lay on the sofa. "Strict discipline in diet was part of her profession, not a temporary diet," maintaining her figure helped by the golden rule: eat as little as possible, and move as much as possible. She adhered to this principle every day for decades.

While her contemporaries were already at home with their grandchildren, Plishetskaya stepped onto the stage at 70. In 1995, on her 70th birthday, she performed the "Ave Maya" number specially created for her by French choreographer Maurice Béjart. Imagine the strain: rehearsals, stretching, work at the barre. At an age when others count every step.

Accepting Age as the Highest Wisdom

This is where the main secret lies. "There's no escaping wrinkles... But looking young for old age is ridiculous," said Plishetskaya. She wasn't afraid of aging and didn’t try to look younger.

Maya Mikhailovna had no habit of hiding her age; on the contrary, she took pride in a fulfilled life and preserving her beautiful appearance. When a woman doesn't fight the mirror but embraces it, that's visible from afar.

Eating Without Fanaticism

One of Plishetskaya's most famous quotes about food was harsh: "Don't eat!" The part that formed the core of her philosophy—"eat everything, but in moderation"—was the foundation of her diet. No extreme diets or fasting.

In youth, Plishetskaya only wore makeup for performances. To avoid skin trauma, she preferred going without makeup in daily life—after all, her striking appearance was enough. Even when meeting President Kennedy, she came without makeup.

Love as a Source of Energy

As a naturally creative person, Plishetskaya was able to deeply feel and experience emotions. She believed that the secret of beauty and longevity was in love. With Rodion Shchedrin, they lived together for 57 years. Plishetskaya herself said: "You know, he still gives me flowers every day to this day. It's a bit awkward for me to say, but it’s true. Every day. All my life..."

When a woman is loved and loves in return, it transforms her face better than any cream. Plishetskaya had a man who saw in her above all a woman, not just a ballerina.

Style Over Fashion

Plishetskaya only accepted clothes from Pierre Cardin. "This is a standard of taste, fantasy, and beauty... it never goes out of style," she said. Having your own style means not chasing trends, but finding what suits you.

Maya Mikhailovna was not tall—her height reached 167 cm. But in photos, the dancer always appeared taller than she really was. She remained slim and dignified at any age, standing confidently and proudly.

Inner Strength

Maya Plishetskaya noted that it's not wrinkles that make a woman untidy or unattractive, but her inner state and attitude toward herself and the world. The ballerina survived arrest and a father's execution, her mother’s exile, and performance bans. But she didn’t break.

When a woman has a life purpose, goal, and passion—age fades. Plishetskaya said: "I never wanted children—the ballet was my child." A controversial choice, but the sincerity and integrity of her nature were evident.

"It's very simple: you must know how to remain yourself. There’s no need to try to look like your daughter's age—this is absurd and inappropriate," Plishetskaya concluded. Modern stars should listen: beauty isn't about fighting aging, but finding harmony with yourself.

Cover from peopletalk.ru