The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Presents Mariinsky Ballet

For its 15th consecutive season at the Kennedy Center, Russia's legendary Mariinsky Ballet returns with Alexei Ratmansky's contemporary retelling of the charming Russian fairy tale, The Little Humpbacked Horse, in a D.C. premiere for seven performances, January 31-February 5 in the Opera House. Ratmansky's command of comedy shines through this delightful ballet as it follows the classic children's folk tale of a simple young boy, Ivan the Fool, and his fantastical adventures with his friend, the Little Humpbacked Horse.After Ivan's two majestic stallions are stolen by his brothers to be sold, the magical Humpbacked Horse and a firebird feather lead him from a pastoral life at his father's farm into the service of the Tsar. The latter sends Ivan on a series of missions, almost impossible tasks, but with the assistance of his faithful companion, the valiant Ivan ends up winning the Tsar Maiden's hand and taking the throne. Principal casting will be announced at a later date. All performances will be accompanied by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.

While this ballet has seen several choreographic manifestations, Ratmansky's 2009 ballet which had its premiere at the IX International Ballet Festival MARIINSKY, focuses on the music and narrative. Using a score by Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin as the foundation, which first premiered along with the ballet in 1960 and dedicated to ballerina Maya Plisetskaya, this full-length production offers a compelling mix of modern concepts and classical ballet, showcasing plenty of personality, humor, and creativity. Minimalistic, vibrant pop culture and Russian avant-garde-inspired designs by Maxim Isaev with lightning design by Damir Ismagilov, contribute to the heartwarming beloved story. Delightful costumes and rich folk dancing also fills the production with character and charm.

For more than 200 years at its home in St. Petersburg, the Mariinsky Ballet has consistently performed in the top tiers of artistic achievement. The company traces its heritage directly to the 1730's reign of Empress Anna, an advocate for the arts. In 1869, the position of principal ballet master was entrusted to Marius Petipa who markedly raised the professional standards of the company. The peak accomplishments of this famous choreographer were ballets staged in the period of his collaboration with the composers Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Alexander Glazunov-The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Raymonda. As one of the great Imperial Theaters of Russia, the ballet and opera companies, along with the theater itself, were renamed during the Soviet era for S. M. Kirov, a Soviet statesman and political leader.

Funding Credits:

Support for Ballet at the Kennedy Center is generously provided by

Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian.

International Programming at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts.

Ticket Information

Tickets start at $49. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

Performance Schedule

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 3, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.

Mariinsky Ballet
Valery Gergiev, Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre
Yuri Fateev, Deputy Director of the Ballet Company

The Little Humpbacked Horse
Music by Rodion Shchedrin
Choreography by Alexei Ratmansky
Libretto by Maxim Isaev after the tale of Pyotr Yershov
Set and costume design by Maxim Isaev
Lighting design by Damir Ismagilov
with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra