Russia has a long and proud history of ballet, with many excellent companies scattered around the country. But which is the best? It depends on what you’re looking for in a ballet company.
The Bolshoi Ballet is undoubtedly the most famous, and has been performing since 1776. It is based in Moscow, and its repertoire includes classic ballets such as The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. The Bolshoi also regularly stages new works, including works by famous Russian choreographers like Alexei Ratmansky.
The Mariinsky Ballet is another esteemed company, based in St Petersburg. Founded in 1738, it has a rich history of performing classical ballets such as The Nutcracker and Giselle. It also stages modern works from renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine.
The Mikhailovsky Ballet is a smaller company based in St Petersburg that was founded in 1833. Its repertoire focuses on classical ballets such as La Bayadere, Don Quixote, and Romeo and Juliet but it also regularly stages new ballets from contemporary choreographers like Maxim Petrov and Kirill Simonov.
Finally, there’s the Sergei Diaghilev Ballet Company which was founded in 1961. This company emphasizes the works of Serge Diaghilev (the founder of the Ballets Russes) but also stages other classic ballets like Coppelia and The Hunchback of Notre Dame as well as modern ballets from prominent Russian choreographers like Oleg Vinogradov and Boris Eifman.
All four companies are excellent choices for those seeking a quality ballet experience in Russia; each offers something unique to its audiences with its own particular style and focus. Ultimately, the best ballet company for you will depend on your personal preferences; however all four are definitely worth checking out if you’re interested in experiencing Russia’s wonderful tradition of ballet.
Conclusion: With its long history of producing world-class performers and exquisite productions, it’s no surprise that Russia is home to some of the best ballet companies in the world. From Moscow’s Bolshoi to St Petersburg’s Mikhailovsky Ballet to Sergei Diaghilev’s eponymous company, there is a wealth of talent on offer throughout Russia’s diverse range of companies. Ultimately though, what makes one company better than another comes down to personal preference; so if you’re looking for an unforgettable performance be sure to explore all that Russian ballet has to offer!