Russian National Ballet Theatre

Founded in Moscow during Perestroika in the late 1980s, the Russian National Ballet is a vibrant company dedicated to the timeless traditions of classical Russian ballet and the invigoration of dance as an art form in Russia. Since the appointment of Sergei Radchenko, a legendary soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet, as artistic director in 1994, the Russian National Ballet has renewed its focus on upholding the grand, national tradition of the major Russian ballet works.

For this engagement, the Russian National Ballet’s first in Minneapolis, the 50-member troupe performs Marius Petipa’s The Sleeping Beauty to Tchaikovsky’s score. A full-length ballet in three acts based on Charles Perrault’s well-known fairy tale, The Sleeping Beauty was the crowning jewel of Petipa’s illustrious career and is often considered one of the finest achievements in classical ballet.

A spectacular yet refined blend of traditional mime, expressive pas d’action and rigorous divertissements, the extraordinary choreography takes place within a lavish theatrical setting. Kings and queens, villains and fairies, a beautiful princess and a charming prince combine with magical stage effects and courtly splendor in perfect evening of ballet.

Critic's Comments

“Joyful! A corps de ballet of beauty and style, led by stylish and gifted principals.”-MoscowDaily

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Funding provided in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and private funders.