The Mariinsky Ballet, also known as the Kirov Ballet, is one of the world’s leading ballet companies. Founded in 1740 by Empress Anna of Russia as the Imperial Russian Ballet, it is one of the oldest and most celebrated ballet companies in the world. Throughout its long and illustrious history, the Mariinsky Ballet has been home to some of ballet’s most famous dancers, choreographers and composers.
The name of the Mariinsky Ballet has changed several times over its long history.
From 1740-1892, it was known as the Imperial Russian Ballet and was based at St Petersburg’s Imperial Theatres. In 1893 it was renamed the Imperial Theatres Ballet and from then until 1917 was officially referred to as such. After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, it became known as State Academic Theatre for Opera and Ballet and in 1935 was re-named after its founder as the Kirov Ballet.
Today it is referred to both as Mariinsky Ballet and Kirov Ballet – although technically they are two separate entities due to changes in Soviet government policies in 1992 which resulted in a split between the two companies. The Mariinsky Theatre remains one of Russia’s premier ballet venues while the Kirov Theatre operates under a different administration.
Conclusion:
The Mariinsky/Kirov ballet has gone through many name changes throughout its long history. It was founded as Imperial Russian Ballet in 1740 before becoming Imperial Theatres Ballet from 1893-1917. It then changed to State Academic Theatre for Opera and Ballet until 1935 when it became known by its current name – Kirov/Mariinsky Ballet – following a split between two separate companies after 1992.