ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Oct. 31, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- In February 2008, the world-famous Hermitage Ballet from St. Petersburg, Russia makes its American debut in the southern United States. For the first time, balletomanes will get the chance to see stars from the renowned Mariinski Theater, as well as members of the Corps de Ballet from the famed Vaganova School, where most of the great Russian ballet dancers graduated.
A prestigious ballet of this magnitude usually sets its sights on large urban areas as New York, yet this world class ballet creates a first in its illustrious performance history by premiering in historic southern communities. Southerners will have the opportunity to experience the magnificent ballet firsthand. It also provides an opportunity for Russian Ballet performers to experience some warm, southern hospitality in the most charming of U.S. areas.
This performance depicts the most important ten scenes of Russian classical ballet history. The world famous "Gala Performance," traditionally performed in the historical theater of Catherine the Great in the Winter Palace of old Imperial Russia, will be featured. Artistic director Alexander Bruskin, a classmate of Mikhail Baryshnikov from St. Petersburg's Vaganova Ballet School, will lead the performance. The Hermitage Ballet performance is a unique opportunity for student dancers, parents, ballet instructors, and anyone who enjoys a superb evening of entertainment.
The Hermitage Ballet has been touring all of Europe and the Far East for several decades. This will be their premier performances in the United States. The list of scheduled cities includes Macon, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah and Valdosta in Georgia; Jacksonville and Tallahassee in Florida; Columbia, Charleston and North Charleston in South Carolina. Russian ballet souvenirs will be available for purchase.