RUSSISCHES STAATSBALLETT

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THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET
“En pointe” to world fame.

Amongst the many private academies and ballet schools, two state academies probably stand out as the most famous schools for classical ballet in Russia: the St. Petersburg Academy for Russian Ballet, and the Moscow State Academy for Choreography. It is not only is the training that is very hard, but also the daily stress of being on stage, and going on tour is very challenging for the dancers of the Russian State Ballet. Before the shows, they have to train and warm-up, go through the mask and put on their costumes. Each step, each pirouette, every tone of the score is rehearsed mentally, time and time again – everyone has to be ready and be able to perform immediately. As the stage curtain lifts, there is no time for stage fright; concentration and absolute discipline dominate the stage.

The spectator notices none of these preparations; he is, on the contrary, impressed by the apparent ease and gaiety of the performance.

A LIFE DEDICATED TO DANCE
Viacheslav Gordeev – a Portrayal

MUSIC FOR THE DANCE
P. I. Tchaikovsky – The father of the classical ballets Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty

ALL THIS IS BALLET
How ballet has evolved since Petipa to today

BALLET: A NEVER-ENDING STORY

1984
Viacheslav Gordeev takes over the direction of the Moscow Ballet, founded in 1981 by Irina Tichimirova.

1989
The Moscow Ballet is renamed as Moscow State Theatre for Russian Ballet and begins to tour internationally under the name "Russian State Ballet".

1986-89
During the tour through Mexico, USA and France, the dancers of the ballet ensemble are appointed Honorary Citizens in many cities.

1989
The ensemble wins the Gold Medal at the International Dance Competitions of Cento and Mirandola in Italy.

1990
After the successful European tour of 1989/1990, the Russian State Ballet is awarded the Golden Ticket for receiving the 100.000th spectator.

1991
The ballet Swan Lake premieres at the Kremlin Palace.

1992
The company tours extensively throughout Germany, Australia, Egypt, the United Emirates of Arabia, Israel, Sweden, Denmark and Austria.

1994
The ballet Nutcracker premieres at the Kremlin Palace.

1995
The Russian State Ballet celebrates its 15th anniversary on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre.

1998
On his 50th birthday, Viacheslav Gordeev is honoured with an exclusive celebration at the famous "Rossiya" concert hall.

1999
Premiere of the ballet "Sleeping Beauty" at the Kremlin Palace.

2000
Stunning premiere celebrations were held in honour of the two great choreographers Marius Petipa and Mikhail Fokin. Also, that year marked the twentieth anniversary of the Russian State Ballet.

2001
Premiere of the ballet "Cinderella".

2002/03
Extensive European tour, during which Gordeev’s new production "Cinderella" was first performed in Europe.

2008/09
The Company completed a very successful Anniversary tour called "20 years RUSSIAN STATE BALLET", performing 32 shows for enthusiastic audiences in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

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