ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

This evening of ballet is an opportunity to experience an exciting performance at one of the leading centres of art. Dancers from various companies are invited to perform on stage for our special enjoyment.

The history of Russian choreographic art goes back more than two and a half centuries, although foreign masters played an important role in the establishment and evolution of Russian ballet. Starting from small ballet divertissements (interludes at the opera or theatre) in the 18th century this genre of dance reached its culmination in the second half of the 19th century. This was the time of the Russian musical genius, Tchaikovsky, and his co-creator, choreographer Marius Petipa. Together they made such masterpieces as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. This was the time of fabulous ballet stars whose talent created new movements in dance that are now known as classical ballet. St Petersburg’s school of ballet still creates world famous stars. In the early 20th century Russian ballet triumphantly conquered Paris. The best Russian ballets were performed by the best Russian dancers, during the so-called ‘Saisons Russes’. Since that time, classical Russian ballet has become a cultural brand of the country. St Petersburg is regarded as a ballet Mecca, and as in the past, every evening the curtain goes up and dancers tell timeless romantic stories through their mysterious and intricate body language. This evening of ballet is an opportunity to experience an exciting performance at one of the leading centres of art. Dancers from one of the St Petersburg companies are invited to perform on stage for our special enjoyment.

Please note that this tour will not visit the Mariinsky Theatre (home of the Kirov). Although subject to change, the venue is likely to be the Ballet and Opera Theatre named after Rimsky-Korsakov, housed in the Conservatoire building – in which case the performance will be Swan Lake. (The Imperial Theatre on the Fontanka or the Komissarzhevskaya Theatre may also be visited.) The theatre is inaccessible to wheelchairs and there are approximately 40 steps to negotiate (from the street and up to our seats – a wide staircase but no handrail). Passengers wishing to use the toilets also have to go down a narrow back staircase (stone steps with handrail) of approximately 40 steps down and up. It should be noted that our seats may not be reserved in a large block, rather in small groups together. Smart casual wear is the recommended attire (jackets for gentlemen). A glass of Russian champagne or mineral water will be served to each passenger in the interval.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES