The life of Ekaterina Nikolaevna Heydenreich (1897, 1982) was complex and remarkable. Even among those connected to ballet, her name is not always immediately recalled. Born at the end of the 19th century, this intelligent woman experienced World War I, the revolution, and the Great Patriotic War.

Her father was a Russified German, and after his death, Katya moved with her mother from Kyiv to her grandmother's house in St. Petersburg. Thanks to the stories of her uncle Georgy Babich, a corps de ballet artist at the Mariinsky Theatre, the girl learned about the world of ballet. Left an orphan, Katya found joy in becoming a student at the Imperial Theatre School and could interact with professionals.

Her first serious role was as a Cupid in "Don Quixote."

Like many famous artists, Katya went through all stages of professional development. She graduated in 1915, preparing excerpts from Petipa's ballet for her graduation concert. The beginning of her career at the Mariinsky Theatre was predictable: corps de ballet, small roles, participation in charity events. The young artist admired the founder of classical romantic ballet, the talented choreographer M.M. Fokine, and she was fortunate to participate in all his productions before his emigration.

Ekaterina Nikolaevna dedicated 20 years to the theatre, realizing her calling. Her career started successfully, but despite her good reputation and dedication, she did not escape Stalin's repressions.

After being released from the camp, fate brought her to Molotov, where the Academy of Russian Ballet was evacuated. With the support of influential people, a choreographic studio was established at the Molotov Theatre of Opera and Ballet, headed by E.N. Heydenreich. Thus, the Perm ballet was born. The best students of the Perm Choreographic School are awarded the Ekaterina Heydenreich scholarship, and one of the rooms in this building is called the "Heydenreich Lounge."