An Evening of Russian Ballet
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Tour Code: led-007
St. Petersburg is very famous for its rich theatrical life. Like the city itself, the art of Russian classical ballet having absorbed foreign traditions, created its own prominent world-renowned style. Russian rulers and aristocracy took a deep interest in ballet, encouraging and supporting construction of theaters in St. Petersburg. In old times, the nobility often used to have their own private theaters in their estates. Today, this northern capital has a large number of exquisite 19th century theatrical buildings. There are more than 100 theaters in the city, and every day dozens of them give performances. Several theaters in St. Petersburg are world famous, such as the Mariinsky Theatre, Imperial Theater on the Fontanka River, Alexandrinsky Theatre, Musorgsky Opera and Ballet Theater and many others. Prestigious theatrical festivals are held regularly in St. Petersburg.
Ballet is an integral part of Russian cultural tradition. The development of Russian choreographic art began more than two and a half centuries ago. Brilliant choreographers such as Marius Petipa and Mikhail Fokin staged here the best of world ballets. The talents of many generations of ballet dancers were revealed in St. Petersburg theaters - Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinskij, Mathilde Kschessinska and Olga Spesivtseva, Galina Ulanova and Rydolph Nureyev, George Balanchin and Mikhail Baryshnikov to mention just a few. The World-famous composers such as Tchaikovksy, Glinka, Mussorgsky and others wrote heavenly music to accompany ballet performances.
This wonderful tour affords you the opportunity to experience the marvelous theatrical world of St. Petersburg. Few cities in the world can boast such an incredible cultural heritage.
Arriving at the theater, you will be provided with a ballet program and escorted to your seats. Soon the curtain will go up and you will enjoy one of the greatest romantic ballets of all times. The repertoire of St. Petersburg theaters consists mostly of world recognized outstanding ballets like Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Giselle or Sleeping Beauty. All of these ballets have enjoyed an enduring popularity for over a century and half and can be found in the repertoire of virtually every classical ballet company in the world. During the performance, you will no doubt be deeply moved by a timeless love story told in the mysterious language of classical dance.
Russian sparkling wine and mineral water will be served during the intermission. Following the performance, you will be transferred directly back to the ship.