Photo Exclusive: 2017 RUSSIAN BALLET ICONS Gala

London's annual 'Russian Ballet Icons' Gala, first held in 2006, is now firmly established as a highlight of the international ballet calendar. The event was held on March 8, 2017.

Every year a dazzling programme pays tribute to the wonderful traditions of the Russian ballet school and its legendary soloists who have been inspiring dancers and ballet lovers since the early nineteenth century.

Much-loved favourites from the heady days of Diaghilev such as The Firebird, The Scheherazade, Le Spectre de la Rose, Petrushka, L'après-midi d'un Faune, La Chatte and others will be complemented by contemporary works from choreographers David Dawson, Alastair Marriott, Gerald Arpino, Jean-Christophe Maillot - paying homage to the spirit of innovation and creativity that were such a hallmark of the great Russian impresario. The programme also features the world premiere of the exciting new work Theatrum Vitae by dazzling German choreographer Xenia Wiest. In addition to international ballet stars and principals of the major ballet companies, there will be a unique appearance in The Fairy Doll by final year students of the legendary Vaganova Academy.

The programme, accompanied by the orchestra of the English National Ballet Philharmonic, will be performed by Maria Alexandrova (Bolshoi Theatre), Tyler Angle (NYCB), Davide Dato (Vienna State Ballet), Marlon Dino (Bavarian State Ballet), Matthew Golding (The Royal Ballet), Dmitry Gudanov (Bolshoi Theatre), Isaac Hernandez (English National Ballet), Liudmila Konovalova (Vienna State Ballet), Ekaterina Krysanova (Bolshoi Theatre), Lucia Lacarra (Bavarian State Ballet), Sarah Lamb (The Royal Ballet), Vladislav Lantratov (Bolshoi Theatre), Svetlana Lunkina (National Ballet of Canada), Steven McRae (The Royal Ballet), Sasha Mukhamedov (Dutch National Ballet), Vadim Muntagirov (The Royal Ballet), Evgenia Obraztsova (Bolshoi Theatre), Natalia Osipova (The Royal Ballet), Ekaterina Osmolkina (Mariinsky Theatre), Xander Parish (Mariinsky Theatre), Tamara Rojo (English National Ballet), Iana Salenko (Berlin State Ballet), Vladimir Shklyarov (Mariinsky Theatre), Jacopo Tissi (La Scala), Ivan Vasiliev (Mikhailovsky Theatre), Edward Watson (The Royal Ballet), Zenaida Yanowsky (The Royal Ballet) and students of the Vaganova Academy.

Photo Credit: Roy Tan

Check out an exclusive first look below!

THE RUSSIAN BALLET GALA 2017
THE RUSSIAN BALLET GALA 2017
THE RUSSIAN BALLET GALA 2017
THE RUSSIAN BALLET GALA 2017
THE RUSSIAN BALLET GALA 2017
THE RUSSIAN BALLET GALA 2017