History

The company was founded as the first Theatre of Ballet in Russia under the management of the People‘s Artist of Russia, Professor Peter Gusev in 1966. P. Gusev, the notable artist and balletmaster graduated from the Petrograd Choreographic Academy in 1922 and was an artist of Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theatre untill 1935. From 1940-1950 he directed the Kirov Ballet, then (1958-1960) was the organizer of the Ballet Theatre in Peking, ballet schools, in Shanghai and Guanchjou. From 1960-1966 P. Gusev worked as a balletmaster in the Maly Opera and Ballet Theatre and then in Novosibirsk Theatre. Therefore, before the creation of the Russian Classical Ballet Palace theatre he had already time to prove himself as a brilliant choreographer of Ballet Art Schools.

In 1969 the post of Artistic Director and Manager was occupied by the prominent choreographer, outstanding balletmaster, Honoured Artist of Russia and State Prize Laureate - Leonid Jacobson. The best-known of his ballets are: SCHURALE, SPARTACUS, THE BUG and others. But the leading form of Jacobson‘s balletmaster art was choreographic miniature. He demonstrated a mastery of different epochs and styles, producing numerous imaginative and original ballets on a wide variety of themes from ancient monuments to romantic ballets and finally to the spontaneous expressiveness of our day. Along with this, he used for his miniatures the music of the greatest composers: Grieg (The Hunter and the Bird), Tchaikovsky (Reflection), Strauss (Wien Valtz), Stravinsky (Troika), Debussy, Prokofiev and Berg (Rodin) and many others. Therefore, the original name of the Company is "Choreographic Miniatures". The first program of this exciting company was repeated with triumphant success over a hudred times to packed audiences in Saint-Petersburg and later all over Russia. In 1976 his friend and favourite dancer Askold Makarov became his successor.

Askold Makarov, the leading soloist of the Kirov ballet, whose talent was highly appreciated all over the world as well as in Russia, State Prize Laureate, Professor and Chairman of the Saint-Petersburg Union of performers. In 2001, after death of A.A.Makarov in December 2000, the post of Artistic Director was occupied by the famous choreographer, People‘s Artist of Russia, State Prize Laureate of Russia, Laureate to International Ballet competition - Yuri Petukhov. The company constantly extends its sphere of activity. Their creativity has been accumulated over the years, and the mastery of the high traditions of Russian Ballet is being passed on to a younger generation of artist, Russian and foreign. The ballet artist demonstrate their skill at the International Ballet Competitions. The Theatre administration regularly organizes the Master - Classes, which are visited by both professionals and amateurs of Ballet Arts. As regards the repertoire, it consists of both classical and modern ballet performances - more than 60 dance items and 20 one-act ballets.

Yury Petukhov - Artistic Director of the Russian Classical Ballet Palace theatre

Artistic Director of the Russian Classical Ballet Palace theatre, People‘s Artist of Russia, State Prize Laureate of Russia, Laureate to International Ballet competition, Yury Petukhov was born on November 06, 1953.

After finishing the Perm choreographic school (teacher Y.i. Plaht), he began working in 1972 at the Perm theatre. Debuted in a party Franz. The first performer of parties: the Germann‘s double ("Three cards", 1973), Truffaldino ("The Servant of two misters", 1976, choreography by N. N. Boyarchikov), Adam ("Creation of the world", 1974), choreography by M. M. Gasiev). Since 1979 works at Maly opera and ballet theatre. The first performer of parties in ballets put by Boyarchikov: Gerakl, Franz ("Robbers", 1982), Makbet ("Makbet", 1984), the choreographic compositions by L. S. Lebedev: "Two dances in style gagaku" (1988), "Illusion" (1989), "Vii" (1990). The job with this balletmaster detailed has opened the person of the actor.

Possession by gift of transformation allowing him to create the contrast, the emotional Images, possession of masterly technique of classical have ensured to him all the leading roles of both the classical and modern choreographical repertoires. He performed the following leading roles: Albert ("Giselle"), Zigfrid ("Swan Lake"), Kolen; Peter ("Halt of Cavalry"), Boris ("King Boris"), Podkolesin ("Marriage"), Grigoryi ("Silent Don"), Foreman ("Foreman and Margarita"), Snake-charmer ("Kleopatra"), Vision of a rose ("Vision of Rose"), Basill, Desire, Prince ("Nutcracker"), Romeo, Mercuzio and Benvolio ("Romeo and Juletta"), Orfei ("Orfei and Evridika").

Being by one of the most interesting performer of a modern choreography he continues to create new. After graduating in 1989 balletmaster‘s part of the Leningrad Conservatory he puts ballets on stages of different theatres: "Fly cranes" (1985, Maly Theatre), "Don Quixote" (1987, theatre "Estonia"), "White knight" (Maly theatre), "Karmen" (Valencia), "Cinderella", "Nutcracker" (Tokio) and small ballet: "Picture", "Drama three" and many others.

On 2 International Ballet competition Yury Petukhov has received 1 premium for the best choreography and 3 premium as a balletmaster and teachers throughout Russia and abroad.

The Historical Background of the Music and Comedy Theater of St. Petersburg

The Russian Classical Ballet Palace Theatre is located on Italianskaya Street. This historic street is one of the oldest in the city. The palace theater was designed by the architect, E. T. Sokolov and work which began in 1799 was completed in 1801. We are proud to offer our performances in such a beautiful and historic setting.

Between 1842 and 1846 major renovations were carried out under the direction of architect L. Vendramini. In 1896 the palace was acquired by the Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolayevich the younger. The Grand Duke commissioned architect A. S. Khrenov to redesign the facades and interiors of the palace and to redesign the interior room plan.

In 1910 the palace was reconstructed to house a theater. It was necessary to create two new halls to accomplish this. The lower hall accommodated a restaurant and the upper hall an auditorium. The auditorium is one of the first examples of Russian Classical Style public interiors constructed at the beginning of the XXth Century.

The original interiors of the palace have been preserved. There are a series of Gala rooms preceded by a spectacular Gala staircase. These include the Golden Foyer, the Yellow drawing room, the White and Green halls, and the famous Buffet-Grotto.

The beauty of the palace interiors consisting of intricate gilded decorations, sparkling chandeliers, elegant bronze sconces, and fireplaces delight ballet aficionados and are a special treat for anyone attending a performance.

The palace has recently been restored and again is one of the most beautiful settings for an artistic performance. The performances themselves boast the best Russian dancers performing Russia‘s most famous classical ballets.

Russian Classical Ballet Palace theatre hall plan

Accompaniment for the Ballets
Ballets are accompanied by St. Petersburg Radio & TV Symphony Orchestra.
Artistic director - people artist of Russia, Maestro Stanistlav Gorgovenko.

Dress Code for Russian Classical Ballet Palace theatre