The Mikhailovsky Ballet of St. Petersburg to Make U.S. Debut 11/11-23 in NYC

Ardani Artist presents for the first time in the United States The Mikhailovsky Ballet of St. Petersburg, Russia for a special two week engagement November 11 - 23, 2014 at the David H. Koch Theatre (Lincoln Center) NYC. There will be four programs for this premiere engagement performed with a live orchestra. The Mikhailovsky Ballet USA engagement is supported by the Russian Ministry of Culture.

The Mikhailovsky Theatre in 2013, celebrated the 180th anniversary of its founding and the 80th anniversary of its Ballet Company. The Ballet Company did not become a permanent fixture at the theater overnight, however: it was a gradual process that began in 1918, when the Mikhailovsky Theatre shifted its focus from drama to musical theater. Even before the Ballet Company was officially founded by Fyodor Lopukhov in 1933, the theater played host to some significant events that are now considered an important part of world ballet history. In 1923, the young Giorgi Balanchivadze, who later changed his name to George Balanchine, staged dances in Rimsky-Korsakov's opera The Golden Cockerel at the theater. It was there that the renowned ballet The Bright Stream to Dmitry Shostakovich's score was first staged in 1935 by Lopukhov. At various times in its history the following outstanding Russian ballet masters have taken the helm of the Mikhailovsky Ballet Company: Leonid Lavrovsky, Pyotr Gusev, Igor Belsky, Konstantin Boyarsky, Oleg Vinogradov, Nikolai Boyarchikov, Farukh Ruzimatov, and Nacho Duato.

At present, the Company's Ballet Master in Chief is Mikhail Messerer. Mikhailovsky Ballet is a young, thriving company that effortlessly combines classical traditions with a modern look, and does not shy away from creative experiments. The Company's Principal Dancers include world-class stars, as well as recent graduates from Russia's top ballet schools and academies.