Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Moscow - La Fille du Pharaon - 4 / 7 Dec

Dans quelques heures seulement, Moscou sera transportée dans l'univers scintillant et doré de La Fille du Pharaon, l'un des chefs-d'œuvre les plus éblouissants du répertoire classique. La ville entière semble vibrer d'impatience : amateurs de ballet, Moscovites, visiteurs et passionnés du Bolchoï comptent les minutes jusqu'au lever de rideau. Et moi aussi, j'ai tellement hâte !

Notre voyage jusqu'à ce moment a été tout simplement extraordinaire. Après avoir passé des jours magiques à Saint-Pétersbourg, à flâner le long de la majestueuse Neva et à admirer les splendides panoramas depuis ses quais, nous nous sommes immergés dans la splendeur du Théâtre Mariinsky. La ville elle-même semblait être un ballet : ses musées, ses palais, l'époustouflante cathédrale Saint-Isaac et le charme de chaque canal et de chaque place. Ses danseurs brillaient tout autant : des performances inoubliables, une célébration de la richesse artistique de la ville sur la Neva.

Et pourtant, quelques jours plus tard, nous voici à Moscou, prêts à vivre une nouvelle fois le ballet dans toute sa splendeur, cette fois au Théâtre Bolchoï, où l'opulence, le drame et la virtuosité atteignent des sommets mythiques.

Le 2 décembre, Saint-Pétersbourg nous a enchantés avec la première de Casse-Noisette, un moment qui a marqué le début de la saison des ballets de Noël. Mais le 4 décembre à 19h, Moscou offrira une expérience totalement différente : une immersion dans l'Égypte antique, où pyramides, pharaons et temples scintillants prennent vie grâce à une chorégraphie magnifique, des costumes somptueux et une musique qui transporte les auditeurs dans un autre monde.

4 décembre – Soirée d'ouverture : Une distribution de légendes

Pour cette ouverture étincelante, nous avons la chance d'accueillir une distribution de rêve, menée par mon danseur préféré de toute la Russie, Artem Ovcharenko. Son élégance, son charisme et son aura princière rendent chacun de ses rôles inoubliable. Je me souviens encore très bien des nombreuses représentations où il a dansé avec Anna Tikhomirova ou d'autres grandes ballerines : son art, sa musicalité, sa métamorphose complète sur scène. Il est tout simplement unique.

Face à lui, nous verrons la lumineuse Arina Denisova dans le rôle d'Aspicia, la fille du Pharaon – un rôle qui exige à la fois une prestance royale et une pureté lyrique. Et pour compléter ce trio extraordinaire, Alexei Putintsev, qui, il y a quelques semaines à peine, le 29 octobre, a électrisé la scène avec son Basilio vibrant dans Don Quichotte, aux côtés d'Anastasia Smirnova. Leur performance ce soir-là était légendaire – une danse qui restera gravée dans la mémoire du Bolchoï pour des années. Revoir Putintsev, cette fois dans le rôle de Passiphonte, est un véritable événement.

L'ensemble au complet promet un feu d'artifice : Daria Khokhlova dans le rôle de Ramze, Denis Zakharov dans celui du Pêcheur et Maria Vinogradova dans celui de son épouse. Une constellation d'or, sans défaut.

5 décembre — Une distribution d'une pureté et d'un raffinement exceptionnels

Le lendemain, la splendeur se poursuit avec Elizaveta Kokoreva, dont la pureté de ligne et la technique lumineuse captivent le public. Elle partage la scène avec le profondément poétique et aristocratique Semyon Chudin, l'un des danseurs les plus appréciés du Bolchoï. Ivan Sorokin et Anastasia Stashkevich complètent une distribution qui rayonne de raffinement et de sensibilité musicale, en parfaite harmonie avec le majestueux univers égyptien créé par Petipa.

6 décembre — Magie du matin et feu espagnol

Le 6 décembre, une autre distribution étincelante prend le relais. Darina Moseyeva et Dmitry Vyskubenko apportent une fraîcheur éclatante, rejoints par la révélation Akib Anvar et l'élégante Elizaveta Krutelyova.

Vient ensuite l'un des moments forts du ballet : les variations des « Fleuves », véritables joyaux de style et de technique. Cette représentation offrira l'un des moments les plus exaltants : Anastasia Smirnova dansant la variation du Guadalquivir. Après son inoubliable Kitri le 29 octobre, elle nous transporte à Séville, un autre coin d'Espagne, grâce au charme irrésistible de la musique et à la chorégraphie tourbillonnante et fougueuse. Le sourire, la précision et l'énergie expressive de Smirnova la rendent parfaite pour cette variation, l'une des plus exigeantes et des plus éblouissantes du ballet. La voir se métamorphoser en l'esprit du Guadalquivir est un véritable enchantement.

6 décembre — Représentation du soir : Les étoiles d'aujourd'hui et de demain

Ce même soir, une autre distribution de rêve se réunit : Maria Koshkaryova, l'une des jeunes étoiles les plus brillantes du Bolchoï. Ses triomphes dans Giselle, La Belle au bois dormant et Don Quichotte ont confirmé son talent exceptionnel et son éclat actuel.

Et une fois de plus, Anastasia Smirnova illumine la scène, cette fois-ci dans le rôle de la Femme du pêcheur. Sa variation ici est totalement différente de celle du Guadalquivir : d’une grande complexité technique, ponctuée de pirouettes rapides et d’une musicalité étincelante, elle est un pur délice pour le public. Le talent de Smirnova fera de ce moment un souvenir inoubliable.

7 décembre — Journée mondiale de célébration du ballet

Tandis que Milan inaugure sa saison à La Scala, Moscou accueille deux distributions exceptionnelles.

Le spectacle de midi met en vedette Yaroslavna Kuprina, Mark Chino, le polyvalent Ivan Sorokin et une riche pléiade de solistes, chacun apportant sa brillance au Pas d’Action et aux vibrantes Variations sur la Rivière. Une performance empreinte de jeunesse, d’élégance et d’une technique irréprochable.

Mais la soirée réserve un duo royal : Artemy Belyakov – auréolé de son rôle inoubliable de Prince Siegfried – et l’exquise Alyona Kovalyova, une ballerine dont la formation auprès de Vaganova lui confère une pureté et un raffinement qui subliment chacun de ses rôles. Ensemble, ils promettent une soirée d’une grande profondeur émotionnelle, d’une beauté sculpturale et d’un style classique impeccable.

Une semaine de ballet d’or

Dans les prochains jours, La Fille du Pharaon transformera Moscou en un paysage onirique de l’Égypte antique. Les décors et costumes spectaculaires du Bolchoï, les éclairages éclatants et la richesse grandiose de l’orchestre se conjuguent pour créer un monde où fantaisie et histoire fusionnent en une pure magie du ballet.

Ce sera une semaine inoubliable, une célébration de l'art, de la tradition et du talent exceptionnel des plus grands danseurs russes. Chaque distribution offre une performance unique ; chaque spectacle promet de nouvelles merveilles.

Dans quelques heures seulement, le monde magique de La Fille du Pharaon envahira Moscou, et la ville vibre déjà d'impatience. Après des journées inoubliables à Saint-Pétersbourg – où les étoiles du Mariinsky brillaient de mille feux sur fond de la beauté de la Neva, de la cathédrale Saint-Isaac et des innombrables merveilles de la ville – nous nous rendons maintenant dans la capitale russe pour poursuivre ce voyage extraordinaire au cœur du ballet, au plus haut niveau.

Le 2 décembre, nous avons dit adieu à Saint-Pétersbourg avec la première de Casse-Noisette, et maintenant, le 4 décembre à 19h00, le rideau du Bolchoï se lèvera sur l'un des ballets les plus spectaculaires et les plus somptueux jamais créés. La Fille du Pharaon est un véritable festin de variations exquises, de décors fastueux et de ce style classique grandiose dont seul le Bolchoï a le secret.

Et quelle distribution nous attend ! En tête d'affiche de la première, nul autre que mon danseur préféré de toute la Russie, Artem Ovcharenko – une véritable étoile dont je chéris les performances depuis des années. Il sera rejoint par la rayonnante Arina Denisova et une constellation d'artistes brillants, parmi lesquels Alexei Putintsev, dont l'inoubliable Basilio, le 29 octobre avec Anastasia Smirnova, restera un moment marquant de l'histoire du Bolchoï. Le revoir dans cette distribution de première est un rêve.

Mais l'excitation ne s'arrête pas là :

Le 5 décembre, une autre distribution prestigieuse nous attend, avec Elizaveta Kokoreva, Semyon Chudin, Ivan Sorokin et l'élégante Anastasia Stashkevich – une formation digne de l'âge d'or.

Le 6 décembre (matinée), nous aurons le plaisir de découvrir Darina Moseyeva, Dmitry Vyskubenko et l'étoile montante Akib Anvar, suivis de l'irrésistible joie des variations sur les « Fleuves ». J'ai hâte de voir Anastasia Smirnova briller dans la fougueuse variation sur le Guadalquivir – si pleine de chaleur, de style et de virtuosité espagnoles. Elle rend chaque rôle inoubliable, de Kitri au fleuve emblématique de Séville !

Ce même soir, à 19h, la scène brillera de nouveau grâce à l'extraordinaire Maria Koshkaryova, véritable phénomène et l'une des plus grandes étoiles de demain. La brillante Anastasia Smirnova revient dans le rôle de la Femme du Pêcheur, apportant son art magnétique et sa technique irréprochable à l'un des moments les plus charmants et exigeants du ballet. Un véritable régal pour le public !

Le 7 décembre, tandis que le monde entier aura les yeux rivés sur l'ouverture de la saison de La Scala à Milan, Moscou accueillera une autre distribution magnifique pour la matinée du Bolchoï, avec en tête d'affiche Yaroslavna Kuprina, Mark Chino et une impressionnante brochette de solistes pour le Pas d'Action et les Rivières.

Puis, à 19h, la soirée se transforme en une véritable célébration des étoiles : l'incomparable Artemy Belyakov, auréolé de son inoubliable interprétation du Prince Siegfried, dansera aux côtés de la sublime Alyona Kovalyova, trésor de l'école Vaganova et l'une des ballerines les plus raffinées de notre époque. Ce duo à lui seul promet une soirée de pure magie.

Les prochains jours à Moscou seront un rêve pour tous les passionnés de ballet : l’Égypte s’élève sur la scène du Bolchoï, une musique divine est dirigée avec maestria, et une pléiade de danseurs étoiles donne vie à l’un des plus somptueux chefs-d’œuvre de Petipa.

La Fille du Pharaon fera sensation dans toute la ville, et On sera là pour chaque instant magique. L’Égypte nous attend à Moscou !😉

In just a few hours, Moscow will be swept into the shimmering, golden world of La Fille du Pharaon, one of the most dazzling masterpieces in the classical repertoire. The entire city seems to vibrate with anticipation: ballet lovers, locals, visitors, and devotees of the Bolshoi are all counting the minutes until the curtain rises. And so am I—I truly cannot wait.

Our journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. After spending magical days in Saint Petersburg, wandering along the majestic Neva River and marvelling at the splendid views from its embankments, we immersed ourselves in the brilliance of the Mariinsky Theatre. The city itself felt like a ballet—its museums, its palaces, the breathtaking Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, and the charm of every canal and square. Its dancers shone just as brightly: performances that linger in the imagination, a celebration of the rich artistic spirit of the city on the Neva.

And yet, only a few days later, we now find ourselves in Moscow, ready to experience ballet at its grandest scale once more—this time at the Bolshoi Theatre, where opulence, drama, and virtuosity reach truly mythic heights.

On December 2nd, Saint Petersburg delighted us with the première of The Nutcracker—a moment that marked the beginning of the festive ballet season. But on December 4th at 19:00, Moscow will offer something entirely different: a plunge into ancient Egypt, where pyramids, pharaohs, and shimmering temples come alive through magnificent choreography, sumptuous costumes, and a score that sweeps listeners straight into another world.

December 4 — Opening Night: A Cast of Legends

For this glittering opening, we are blessed with a dream cast led by my favourite dancer in the whole of Russia, Artem Ovcharenko. His elegance, charisma, and princely aura make every role he dances unforgettable. I still remember vividly the many performances in which he partnered Anna Tikhomirova or other great ballerinas—the artistry, the musicality, the complete transformation onstage. He is simply unique.

Opposite him we will see the luminous Arina Denisova as Aspicia, the Pharaoh’s daughter—a role that demands both regal poise and lyrical purity. And completing this extraordinary trio is Alexei Putintsev, who just a few weeks ago, on October 29, ignited the stage with his electrifying Basilio in Don Quixote alongside Anastasia Smirnova. Their performance that night was the stuff of legend—dancing that will remain in Bolshoi memory for years. To see Putintsev again, this time as Passiphonte, is cause for celebration.

The entire ensemble promises fireworks: Daria Khokhlova as Ramze, Denis Zakharov as the Fisherman, and Maria Vinogradova as his wife. A flawless, golden constellation.

December 5 — A Cast of Pure Refinement

The next day, the splendour continues with Elizaveta Kokoreva, whose purity of line and luminous technique are captivating. She shares the stage with the deeply poetic and aristocratic Semyon Chudin, one of the Bolshoi’s most beloved gentlemen dancers. Ivan Sorokin and Anastasia Stashkevich complete a cast that radiates refinement and musical sensitivity—a perfect match for the majestic Egyptian world created by Petipa.

December 6 — Morning Magic & Spanish Fire 

On December 6, yet another glittering cast takes over. Darina Moseyeva and Dmitry Vyskubenko bring fresh brilliance, joined by rising sensation Akib Anvar and the elegant Elizaveta Krutelyova.

Then comes one of the highlights of the ballet: the “Rivers” variations—each a miniature jewel of style and technique. This performance will feature one of the most thrilling moments of all: Anastasia Smirnova dancing the Guadalquivir variation. After her unforgettable Kitri on October 29, she now takes us to another corner of Spain—Seville—through the music’s irresistible charm and the swirling, fiery choreography. Smirnova’s smile, precision, and expressive energy make her perfect for this variation, one of the most demanding yet most dazzling of the entire ballet. To see her transform into the spirit of the Guadalquivir is a gift.

December 6 — Evening Performance: Stars of Today and Tomorrow

That same evening brings another dream cast: Maria Koshkaryova, one of the brightest young stars of the Bolshoi. Her triumphs in Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, and Don Quixote have confirmed her as a dancer of extraordinary promise and present brilliance.

And once again, Anastasia Smirnova graces the stage—this time as the Fisherman’s Wife. Her variation here is entirely different from the Guadalquivir one: technically intricate, filled with quick turns and sparkling musicality, it is a pure delight for the audience. Smirnova’s artistry will turn this moment into something unforgettable.

December 7 — A Day of Global Ballet Celebrations

While Milan opens its La Scala season, Moscow hosts two remarkable casts.

The noon performance features Yaroslavna Kuprina, Mark Chino, the versatile Ivan Sorokin, and a rich assortment of soloists, each contributing brilliance to the Pas d’Action and the vibrant River variations. A performance filled with youth, elegance, and impeccable technique.

But the evening brings a true royal pairing: Artemy Belyakov—fresh from an unparalleled Prince Siegfried—and the exquisite Alyona Kovalyova, a ballerina whose Vaganova schooling gives her a purity and refinement that elevate every role she dances. Together, they promise a night of emotional depth, sculptural beauty, and impeccable classical style.

A Week of Golden Ballet

In these coming days, La Fille du Pharaon will transform Moscow into a dreamscape of ancient Egypt. The Bolshoi’s spectacular sets and costumes, the radiant lighting, and the orchestra’s sweeping richness all combine to create a world where fantasy and history merge into pure ballet magic.

It will be a week to remember—a celebration of artistry, tradition, and the brilliance of Russia’s greatest dancers. Each cast offers something unique; each performance promises new wonders.

And above all, I can hardly wait to see my favourite dancers take the stage, surrounded by this galaxy of stars. The excitement is indescribable. Egypt awaits us at the Bolshoi, and soon, the curtain will rise.Moscow is ready. And so am I  😉 

In just a few hours, the magical world of The Pharaoh's Daughter will invade Moscow, and the city is already buzzing with anticipation. After unforgettable days in St. Petersburg—where the Mariinsky stars shone brightly against the backdrop of the beautiful Neva River, St. Isaac's Cathedral, and the city's countless wonders—we now travel to the Russian capital to continue this extraordinary journey into the heart of ballet at its finest.


On December 2, we bid farewell to St. Petersburg with the premiere of The Nutcracker, and now, on December 4 at 7:00 p.m., the Bolshoi curtain will rise on one of the most spectacular and sumptuous ballets ever created. The Pharaoh's Daughter is a veritable feast of exquisite variations, lavish sets, and that grand classical style that only the Bolshoi can deliver.


And what a cast awaits us! Headlining the premiere is none other than my favorite dancer in all of Russia, Artem Ovcharenko—a true star whose performances I have cherished for years. He will be joined by the radiant Arina Denisova and a constellation of brilliant artists, including Alexei Putintsev, whose unforgettable Basilio on October 29 with Anastasia Smirnova will remain a landmark in the Bolshoi's history. Seeing him again in this premiere cast is a dream come true.

But the excitement doesn't end there:

On December 5, another prestigious cast awaits us, featuring Elizaveta Kokoreva, Semyon Chudin, Ivan Sorokin, and the elegant Anastasia Stashkevich—a lineup worthy of the golden age.

On December 6 (matinee), we will have the pleasure of discovering Darina Moseyeva, Dmitry Vyskubenko, and rising star Akib Anvar, followed by the irresistible joy of the "River" variations. I can't wait to see Anastasia Smirnova shine in the spirited Guadalquivir variation—so full of Spanish warmth, style, and virtuosity. She makes every role unforgettable, from Kitri to Seville's iconic river!

That same evening, at 7 p.m., the stage will shine again thanks to the extraordinary Maria Koshkaryova, a true phenomenon and one of the greatest stars of tomorrow. The brilliant Anastasia Smirnova returns in the role of the Fisherman's Wife, bringing her magnetic artistry and impeccable technique to one of the ballet's most charming and demanding moments. A true delight for the audience!

On December 7, while the world's attention is focused on the opening of La Scala's season in Milan, Moscow will host another magnificent cast for the Bolshoi matinee, headlined by Yaroslavna Kuprina, Mark Chino, and an impressive array of soloists for the Pas d'Action and The Rivers.

Then, at 7 p.m., the evening transforms into a true celebration of the stars: the incomparable Artemy Belyakov, fresh from his unforgettable performance as Prince Siegfried, will dance alongside the sublime Alyona Kovalyova, a treasure of the Vaganova school and one of the most refined ballerinas of our time. This duo alone promises an evening of pure magic.

The next few days in Moscow will be a dream come true for all ballet lovers: Egypt will rise on the Bolshoi stage, divine music will be conducted with masterful skill, and a constellation of star dancers will bring to life one of Petipa's most magnificent masterpieces.

I can't wait! The Pharaoh's Daughter will be a sensation throughout the city, and I'll be there for every magical moment. Egypt awaits us in Moscow!

Tra poche ore, il magico mondo de "La figlia del faraone" invaderà Mosca, e la città è già in fermento per l'attesa. Dopo giorni indimenticabili a San Pietroburgo, dove le stelle del Mariinsky hanno brillato sullo sfondo dello splendido fiume Neva, della Cattedrale di Sant'Isacco e delle innumerevoli meraviglie della città, ci rechiamo ora nella capitale russa per continuare questo straordinario viaggio nel cuore del balletto più raffinato. 

Il 2 dicembre saluteremo San Pietroburgo con la première de "Lo Schiaccianoci" e ora, il 4 dicembre alle 19:00, il sipario del Bolshoi si alzerà su uno dei balletti più spettacolari e sontuosi mai creati. "La figlia del faraone" è un vero tripudio di squisite variazioni, scenografie sontuose e quel grandioso stile classico che solo il Bolshoi sa offrire. 

E che cast ci aspetta! A guidare la première non c'è altri che il mio ballerino preferito in tutta la Russia, Artem Ovcharenko, una vera star le cui performance ammiro da anni. Sarà affiancato dalla radiosa Arina Denisova e da una costellazione di artisti brillanti, tra cui Alexei Putintsev, il cui indimenticabile Basilio del 29 ottobre con Anastasia Smirnova rimarrà una pietra miliare nella storia del Bolshoi. Rivederlo nel cast di questa première è un sogno che si avvera.

 Ma l'emozione non finisce qui: 

Il 5 dicembre ci attende un altro cast prestigioso, con Elizaveta Kokoreva, Semyon Chudin, Ivan Sorokin e l'elegante Anastasia Stashkevich, una formazione degna dell'epoca d'oro. 

Il 6 dicembre (matinée), avremo il piacere di scoprire Darina Moseyeva, Dmitry Vyskubenko e l'astro nascente Akib Anvar, seguiti dall'irresistibile gioia delle variazioni "River". Non vedo l'ora di vedere Anastasia Smirnova brillare nella vivace variazione sul Guadalquivir, così piena di calore, stile e virtuosismo spagnoli. Rende ogni ruolo indimenticabile, da Kitri all'iconico fiume di Siviglia! 

Quella stessa sera, alle 19:00, il palcoscenico tornerà a brillare grazie alla straordinaria Maria Koshkaryova, un vero fenomeno e una delle più grandi stelle del futuro. La brillante Anastasia Smirnova torna nel ruolo della Moglie del Pescatore, portando la sua arte magnetica e la sua tecnica impeccabile in uno dei momenti più affascinanti e impegnativi del balletto. Una vera delizia per il pubblico!

Il 7 dicembre, mentre l'attenzione mondiale è concentrata sull'apertura della stagione della Scala a Milano, Mosca ospiterà un altro cast magnifico per la matinée del Bolshoi, con protagonisti Yaroslavna Kuprina, Mark Chino e un'impressionante schiera di solisti per il Pas d'Action e The Rivers.

Poi, alle 19:00, la serata si trasforma in una vera e propria celebrazione delle stelle: l'incomparabile Artemy Belyakov, reduce dalla sua indimenticabile interpretazione del Principe Sigfrido, danzerà al fianco della sublime Alyona Kovalyova, un tesoro della scuola Vaganova e una delle ballerine più raffinate dei nostri tempi. Questo duo da solo promette una serata di pura magia.

I prossimi giorni a Mosca saranno un sogno che si avvera per tutti gli amanti del balletto: l'Egitto salirà sul palco del Bolshoi, una musica divina sarà diretta con maestria e una costellazione di ballerini stellari darà vita a uno dei più magnifici capolavori di Petipa.

Non vedo l'ora! La figlia del faraone sarà un'emozione per tutta la città e io sarò lì per ogni momento magico. L'Egitto ci aspetta a Mosca!

Всего через несколько часов волшебный мир «Дочери фараона» наводнит Москву, и город уже кипит от предвкушения. После незабываемых дней в Санкт-Петербурге, где звёзды Мариинского театра ярко сияли на фоне прекрасной Невы, Исаакиевского собора и бесчисленных чудес города, мы отправляемся в российскую столицу, чтобы продолжить это необыкновенное путешествие в сердце балета во всей его красе. 

2 декабря мы прощаемся с Санкт-Петербургом премьерой «Щелкунчика», а теперь, 4 декабря, в 19:00, занавес Большого театра поднимется, представляя один из самых зрелищных и роскошных балетов в истории. «Дочь фараона» — это настоящее пиршество изысканных вариаций, роскошных декораций и того величественного классического стиля, который может создать только Большой театр. 

А какой состав исполнителей нас ждёт! Главным гостем премьеры станет не кто иной, как мой самый любимый танцовщик во всей России Артём Овчаренко — настоящая звезда, чьи выступления я ценю годами. К нему присоединятся блистательная Арина Денисова и плеяда блестящих артистов, включая Алексея Путинцева, чей незабываемый Базиль 29 октября с Анастасией Смирновой станет вехой в истории Большого театра. Увидеть его снова в этом премьерном составе — мечта, ставшая реальностью. 

Но на этом восторг не заканчивается: 

5 декабря нас ждёт ещё один престижный состав: Елизавета Кокорева, Семён Чудин, Иван Сорокин и элегантная Анастасия Сташкевич — состав, достойный золотого века. 

6 декабря (дневной спектакль) мы с удовольствием откроем для себя Дарину Мосееву, Дмитрия Выскубенко и восходящую звезду Акиба Анвара, а затем — неотразимое блаженство вариаций «Река». С нетерпением жду, когда Анастасия Смирнова засияет в энергичной вариации Гвадалквивира, полной испанского тепла, стиля и виртуозности. Она делает каждую партию незабываемой, от Китри до культовой севильской реки! 

В тот же вечер, в 19:00, сцена вновь засияет благодаря выдающейся Марии Кошкарёвой, настоящему феномену и одной из величайших звёзд завтрашнего дня. Блистательная Анастасия Смирнова возвращается в роли Жены рыбака, привнося свой магнетический артистизм и безупречную технику в один из самых чарующих и сложных моментов балета. Настоящее удовольствие для зрителей! 

7 декабря, пока внимание всего мира приковано к открытию сезона Ла Скала в Милане, Москва примет у себя ещё один великолепный состав на дневном спектакле Большого театра. Главные роли исполнят Ярославна Куприна, Марк Чино и впечатляющий состав солистов в Pas d'Action и The Rivers. 

Затем, в 19:00, вечер превратится в настоящий праздник звёзд: несравненный Артемий Беляков, только что исполнивший незабываемую партию принца Зигфрида, будет танцевать вместе с великолепной Алёной Ковалёвой, сокровищем школы Вагановой и одной из самых изысканных балерин нашего времени. Этот дуэт сам по себе обещает вечер чистого волшебства. 

Ближайшие несколько дней в Москве станут воплощением мечты для всех любителей балета: Египет поднимется на сцену Большого, божественная музыка зазвучит с виртуозным мастерством, а плеяда звёздных танцовщиков воплотит в жизнь один из самых великолепных шедевров Петипа. 

Не могу дождаться! «Дочь фараона» произведёт фурор на весь город, и я буду с вами в каждый волшебный момент. Египет ждёт нас в Москве!

En tan solo unas horas, el mágico mundo de La Hija del Faraón invadirá Moscú, y la ciudad ya bulle de expectación. Tras unos días inolvidables en San Petersburgo, donde las estrellas del Mariinsky brillaron con el hermoso río Nevá como telón de fondo, la Catedral de San Isaac y las innumerables maravillas de la ciudad, viajamos ahora a la capital rusa para continuar este extraordinario viaje al corazón del ballet en su máxima expresión.


El 2 de diciembre, nos despedimos de San Petersburgo con el estreno de El Cascanueces, y ahora, el 4 de diciembre a las 19:00 h, el telón del Bolshoi se alzará para uno de los ballets más espectaculares y suntuosos jamás creados. La Hija del Faraón es un auténtico festín de exquisitas variaciones, escenografías suntuosas y ese gran estilo clásico que solo el Bolshoi puede ofrecer.


¡Y qué elenco nos espera! Encabezando el estreno estará nada menos que mi bailarín favorito de toda Rusia, Artem Ovcharenko, una auténtica estrella cuyas actuaciones he atesorado durante años. Le acompañarán la radiante Arina Denisova y una pléyade de brillantes artistas, entre ellos Alexei Putintsev, cuyo inolvidable Basilio, el 29 de octubre con Anastasia Smirnova, marcará un hito en la historia del Bolshoi. Volver a verlo con este elenco de estreno es un sueño hecho realidad.


Pero la emoción no acaba ahí:


El 5 de diciembre nos espera otro prestigioso elenco, con Elizaveta Kokoreva, Semyon Chudin, Ivan Sorokin y la elegante Anastasia Stashkevich, un elenco digno de la época dorada.


El 6 de diciembre (matiné), tendremos el placer de descubrir a Darina Moseyeva, Dmitry Vyskubenko y la estrella emergente Akib Anvar, seguido de la irresistible alegría de las variaciones de "Río". Estoy deseando ver brillar a Anastasia Smirnova en la vibrante variación del Guadalquivir, tan llena de calidez, estilo y virtuosismo españoles. ¡Hace que cada papel sea inolvidable, desde Kitri hasta el icónico río sevillano!


Esa misma noche, a las 19:00, el escenario volverá a brillar gracias a la extraordinaria Maria Koshkaryova, un auténtico fenómeno y una de las grandes estrellas del futuro. La brillante Anastasia Smirnova regresa en el papel de la Esposa del Pescador, aportando su magnético arte y su impecable técnica a uno de los momentos más encantadores y exigentes del ballet. ¡Un auténtico deleite para el público!


El 7 de diciembre, mientras la atención mundial se centra en la inauguración de la temporada de La Scala en Milán, Moscú acogerá a otro magnífico elenco para la matiné del Bolshoi, encabezado por Yaroslavna Kuprina, Mark Chino y un impresionante elenco de solistas para el Pas d'Action y Los Ríos.


Luego, a las 19:00, la velada se transforma en una auténtica celebración estelar: el incomparable Artemy Belyakov, recién llegado de su inolvidable interpretación del Príncipe Sigfrido, bailará junto a la sublime Alyona Kovalyova, joya de la escuela Vaganova y una de las bailarinas más refinadas de nuestro tiempo. Este dúo por sí solo promete una noche de pura magia.


Los próximos días en Moscú serán un sueño hecho realidad para todos los amantes del ballet: Egipto se alzará sobre el escenario del Bolshoi, la música divina se dirigirá con maestría y una constelación de bailarines estrella dará vida a una de las obras maestras más magníficas de Petipa.


¡Qué ganas! La Hija del Faraón causará sensación en toda la ciudad, y estaré presente en cada momento mágico. ¡Egipto nos espera en Moscú!

In wenigen Stunden wird die magische Welt von „Die Tochter des Pharaos“ Moskau erobern, und die Stadt ist bereits voller Vorfreude. Nach unvergesslichen Tagen in St. Petersburg – wo die Sterne des Mariinski-Theaters vor der Kulisse der wunderschönen Newa, der Isaakskathedrale und der unzähligen Sehenswürdigkeiten der Stadt hell erstrahlten – reisen wir nun in die russische Hauptstadt, um diese außergewöhnliche Reise ins Herz des Balletts in seiner schönsten Form fortzusetzen.


Am 2. Dezember verabschieden wir uns mit der Premiere von „Der Nussknacker“ von St. Petersburg, und nun, am 4. Dezember um 19:00 Uhr, hebt sich der Vorhang im Bolschoi-Theater für eines der spektakulärsten und prachtvollsten Ballette aller Zeiten. „Die Tochter des Pharaos“ ist ein wahres Fest für die Sinne mit exquisiten Variationen, opulenten Bühnenbildern und jenem grandiosen klassischen Stil, den nur das Bolschoi so meisterhaft verkörpern kann.


Und welch eine Besetzung erwartet uns! Die Premiere wird von keinem Geringeren als meinem Lieblingstänzer in ganz Russland, Artem Ovcharenko, angeführt – einem wahren Star, dessen Auftritte ich seit Jahren bewundere. Ihm zur Seite stehen die strahlende Arina Denisova und eine Reihe brillanter Künstler, darunter Alexei Putintsev, dessen unvergesslicher Basilio am 29. Oktober mit Anastasia Smirnova ein Meilenstein in der Geschichte des Bolschoi-Theaters bleiben wird. Ihn in dieser Premierenbesetzung wiederzusehen, ist ein wahrgewordener Traum.


Doch die Vorfreude ist damit noch nicht vorbei:


Am 5. Dezember erwartet uns eine weitere hochkarätige Besetzung mit Elizaveta Kokoreva, Semyon Chudin, Ivan Sorokin und der eleganten Anastasia Stashkevich – ein Ensemble, das der goldenen Ära würdig ist.


Am 6. Dezember (Matinee) dürfen wir uns auf Darina Moseyeva, Dmitry Vyskubenko und den aufstrebenden Star Akib Anvar freuen, gefolgt von der unwiderstehlichen Freude der „Fluss“-Variationen. Ich freue mich schon sehr darauf, Anastasia Smirnova in der temperamentvollen Guadalquivir-Variation zu erleben – voller spanischer Herzlichkeit, Stil und Virtuosität. Sie macht jede Rolle unvergesslich, von Kitri bis hin zu Sevillas berühmtem Fluss!


Am selben Abend um 19 Uhr erstrahlt die Bühne erneut im Glanz der außergewöhnlichen Maria Koshkaryova, einem wahren Phänomen und einem der größten Stars von morgen. Die brillante Anastasia Smirnova kehrt in der Rolle der Fischersfrau zurück und bringt ihre magnetische Ausstrahlung und makellose Technik in einen der bezauberndsten und anspruchsvollsten Momente des Balletts ein. Ein wahrer Genuss für das Publikum!


Am 7. Dezember, während die Welt gespannt auf die Saisoneröffnung der Mailänder Scala blickt, präsentiert Moskau eine weitere großartige Besetzung für die Matinee des Bolschoi-Theaters, angeführt von Yaroslavna Kuprina, Mark Chino und einer beeindruckenden Reihe von Solisten für den Pas d’Action und die Flüsse.


Um 19 Uhr verwandelt sich der Abend in ein wahres Fest der Stars: Der unvergleichliche Artemy Belyakov, frisch von seiner unvergesslichen Darbietung als Prinz Siegfried, tanzt an der Seite der erhabenen Alyona Kovalyova, einem Juwel der Waganowa-Schule und einer der elegantesten Ballerinen unserer Zeit. Allein dieses Duo verspricht einen Abend voller Magie.


Die nächsten Tage in Moskau werden für alle Ballettliebhaber ein wahrgewordener Traum sein: Ägypten erwacht auf der Bühne des Bolschoi-Theaters zum Leben, die erhabene Musik wird meisterhaft dirigiert, und ein Staraufgebot an Tänzern erweckt eines von Petipas großartigsten Meisterwerken zum Leben.


Ich kann es kaum erwarten! Die Pharaonentochter wird die ganze Stadt begeistern, und ich werde jeden magischen Moment miterleben. Ägypten erwartet uns in Moskau!



Saint Petersburg - The Nutcracker - Dec 2025


When December arrives, St. Petersburg transforms completely: snow drapes the city in a soft white veil, the canals shimmer under winter light, and every street seems to breathe in the rhythm of Tchaikovsky’s music. No theatre in the world embodies The Nutcracker with the same depth, affection, and tradition as the Mariinsky Theatre, where the ballet premiered on 18 December 1892. Since that historic evening, this masterpiece has become more than a holiday tradition—it is a celebration of beauty, imagination, and the purest essence of classical ballet.  This December at the Mariinsky, two distinct worlds of enchantment come to life: the timeless elegance of Vainonen’s classic choreography and the imaginative spectacle of the Chemiakin–Simonov production. Each interpretation opens the door to its own realm of wonder, inviting audiences into a different dimension of The Nutcracker’s magic. Adding to the brilliance of the season, a radiant constellation of leading artists—some of the finest dancers of our era—illuminates the stage with their exceptional artistry.

This December brings a captivating series of performances of The Nutcracker, beginning with today’s eagerly awaited première on 2 December. Maria Shirinkina, whose refined artistry and luminous presence have made her one of the finest Auroras of our time, will appear both today and again on 29 December—two beautiful opportunities to admire her delicate, effortless dance. Many will remember her unforgettable partnership with the great Vladimir Shklyarov, and now we have the joy of seeing her alongside the extraordinary Yevgeny Konovalov, born in Potsdam and a first soloist of the Mariinsky for more than thirteen years. A graduate of the famed Vaganova Academy, Konovalov brings a princely elegance and deep mastery to his roles, making this pairing an inspired choice for such a significant première.

Together, they illuminate Tchaikovsky’s beloved masterpiece, whose world premiere took place on this very stage in 1892, just a year before the composer’s death. He lived to witness the triumph of his enchanting score, matched by the exquisite choreography of Ivanov and Petipa—a legacy later enriched by Vasily Vainonen’s celebrated version. The Nutcracker remains the cherished jewel of ballet companies around the world, and nowhere does it feel more at home than at the Mariinsky, cradle of its first magical steps.

Today’s premiere marks the beginning of an extensive and dazzling series of Nutcracker performances that will light up the Mariinsky throughout December and into early January. Each date brings a different cast of exceptional quality, ensuring that no matter when one chooses to attend, the evening will be nothing short of unforgettable. Even so, the performances on 2 and 29 December will hold a special glow: Maria Shirinkina, with her ethereal grace and exquisite musicality, will offer two nights of truly unique artistry—ballet at its finest. If there is one place to be on this 2nd of December, it is surely St. Petersburg, inside this long-awaited premiere that promises a night of magic, tradition, and pure artistic brilliance.

The Nutcracker can be enjoyed on the following dates:


2 December 2025, 19:00
3 December 2025, 19:00
4 December 2025, 19:00
7 December 2025, 19:00
13 December 2025, 19:00
14 December 2025, 13:00 / 19:00
18 December 2025, 19:00
20 December 2025, 13:00 / 19:00
21 December 2025, 13:00 / 19:00
22 December 2025, 19:00
24 December 2025, 19:00
25 December 2025, 19:00
26 December 2025, 19:00
27 December 2025, 13:00 / 19:00
28 December 2025, 13:00 / 19:00
29 December 2025, 13:00 / 19:00
30 December 2025, 13:00 / 19:00
31 December 2025, 13:00 / 18:00
2 January 2026, 13:00 / 18:00
3 January 2026, 13:00 / 18:00
5 January 2026, 13:00 / 18:00
7 January 2026, 13:00 / 18:00
9 January 2026, 13:00 / 18:00
10 January 2026, 13:00 / 18:00
11 January 2026, 13:00 / 18:00
13 January 2026, 19:00


2 December — A Brilliant Opening

The season opens with Maria Shirinkina and Yevgeny Konovalov, a pairing of extraordinary refinement. Shirinkina’s luminous delicacy and Konovalov’s noble strength promise an unforgettable start to the winter tradition.  

3 December — The Poetry of Youth

The elegance continues with May Nagahisa and Ryoma, whose freshness and expressive sensitivity breathe new life into the ballet’s beloved characters.


The First Wave of Performances

4 December — Tradition at Its Finest

In the timeless Vainonen production at 19:00, Nadezhda Batoeva and Nikita Korneyev embody the purity and discipline of the Mariinsky school.

5 December — The Art of Perfection

The evening features the ethereal Oxana Skorik alongside Kian Mangis. Skorik’s poetic lines and crystalline technique make her an ideal heroine for this work.


6 December — A Double, Unforgettable Day

The bold Chemiakin–Simonov staging brings two remarkable casts:

  • Kristina Shapran & Alexander Sergeev open the day with elegance and dramatic depth.

  • Elena Yevseyeva & Alexei Timofeyev bring intensity and grace to the night performance.

Two interpretations, two distinct artistic worlds.


7 December — A Day of Grandeur

While Europe looks toward La Scala’s grand opening, the Mariinsky offers its own day of brilliance.

At 19:00, in Vainonen’s classic staging, Renata Shakirova and Timur Askerov ignite the stage with their energy and passion.

Parallel performances of the Chemiakin–Simonov production continue with:

  • Kristina Shapran & Alexander Sergeev

  • Elena Yevseyeva & Alexei Timofeyev

A feast of artistry for the devoted ballet lover.


8 & 9 December — The Magic Continues

8 December

Maria Chernyvskaya & Yaroslav Baibordin deliver a youthful and lyrical interpretation, highlighting the vibrant upcoming generation of the Mariinsky.

9 December

Anastasia Lukina & Roman Malyshev shine with charm and spontaneity.


11 December — Swan Lake: A Pause of Pure Splendor

Between so many Nutcracker performances comes a jewel of classical ballet:
Swan Lake, danced by Oxana Skorik & Timur Askerov.
Skorik’s ethereal fragility and Askerov’s noble presence create an Odette–Siegfried partnership that is both pure and unforgettable.


13 December — The Day of the Prima Ballerina Assoluta

An anticipated date for connoisseurs of ballet.

  • 12:00The Nutcracker performed by the students of the Vaganova Academy, a glimpse of the future of Russian ballet.

  • 19:00 — The evening’s crown jewel:
    Viktoria Tereshkina & Roman Belyakov.
    Tereshkina, a true phenomenon, dances with brilliance, precision, and sovereign artistry.


14 December — A Double Delight

13:00 —

Alisa Barinova & Kian Mangis, offering youthful radiance.

19:00 —

Daria Kulikova & Yevgeny Konovalov, bringing emotional warmth and musicality.


16 December — A Tribute to Maya Plisetskaya and Rodion Shchedrin

A day dedicated to two titans of Russian culture.

12:00 — Carmen Suite

Ekaterina Kondaurova, alongside Even Capitaine and Roman Belyakov, brings electric drama to Shchedrin’s fiery score.

19:30 — Konyok-Gorbunok (The Little Humpbacked Horse)

Featuring Alexander Sergeev & Viktoria Tereshkina, a pairing of artistic fire and maturity.


17 & 20 December — The Month’s Final Jewels

17 December

Yekaterina Osmolkina & Pavel Mikheyev shine in the Chemiakin–Simonov staging.

20 December (13:00)

Yesenia Anushenkova & Ruslan Stenyushkin close this matinee series with grace and sincerity.


The Eternal Nutcracker

Since its first performance at the Mariinsky in 1892, The Nutcracker has been part of the very soul of St. Petersburg. The Mariinsky Orchestra—arguably the best interpreter of Tchaikovsky’s score—elevates each note to the realm of poetry.

A famous anecdote tells that Tchaikovsky wrote the Adagio of the Grand Pas de Deux after a wager challenging him to compose using only the consecutive notes of the musical scale. At the same time, the recent death of his sister is said to have lent the melody its touching, melancholy aura.

The composer himself admitted that, despite initial reluctance, he gradually fell under the spell of the project:
“Each day I feel more in harmony with my task.”

The result: one of the most beloved ballets in history.


Conclusion: A December to Remember

The Mariinsky offers not just a performance series, but a month-long celebration of beauty, tradition, and emotion. A galaxy of stars graces the stage—Tereshkina, Skorik, Shakirova, Shirinkina, Shapran, Yevseyeva—each adding her own light to this timeless masterpiece.

December in St. Petersburg is a poem.
And its most beautiful verse, for more than a century, has been The Nutcracker at the Mariinsky.


🇷🇺 Русская версия

Декабрь в Мариинском: месяц блеска, традиций и высокого искусства

Когда в Санкт-Петербург приходит декабрь, город преображается: снежная тишина окутывает улицы, каналы блестят под зимним светом, а сама атмосфера будто дышит музыкой Чайковского. Нет в мире театра, который воплощал бы «Щелкунчика» с такой глубиной, теплотой и уважением к традиции, как Мариинский театр, где балет впервые прозвучал 18 декабря 1892 года.
С тех пор эта жемчужина стала не просто новогодней классикой — это праздник красоты, фантазии и высшего мастерства русского балета.

В этом году Мариинский представляет великолепную серию спектаклей — как в классической хореографии Василия Вайнонена, так и в ярком, авангардном оформлении Михаила Шемякина с хореографией Кирилла Симонова. И, как всегда, сцена сияет именами выдающихся артистов.


2 декабря — Великолепное открытие

Сезон открывают Мария Ширинкина и Евгений Коновалов — дуэт редкой утончённости. Их пластика и артистизм обещают блистательное начало декабрьской сказки.

3 декабря — Поэзия молодости

Продолжение — Мэй Нагахиса и Рёма, исполнители, чья свежесть и трепетная выразительность дарят новым краскам известные образы.


Первые яркие спектакли

4 декабря — Торжество традиции

В классической постановке Вайнонена на сцене Надежда Батоева и Никита Корнеев, воплощающие чистоту и блеск петербургской школы.

5 декабря — Искусство совершенства

Непревзойдённая Оксана Скорик — воздушная, поэтичная — и Киан Мантис создают вечер абсолютной гармонии.


6 декабря — Незабываемый двойной день

В постановке Шемякина–Симонова выступают два блистательных состава:

  • Кристина Шапран и Александр Сергеев — выразительные, драматичные, утончённые.

  • Елена Евсеева и Алексей Тимофеев — динамичные, эмоциональные и вдохновляющие.


7 декабря — Великий день декабря

Пока Европа отмечает открытие сезона в Ла Скала, в Петербурге — свой день торжества.

В классической версии Вайнонена в 19:00 выступают
Рената Шакирова и Тимур Аскеров — яркие, энергичные, блистательные.

Параллельно продолжаются спектакли Шемякина–Симонова с участием:

  • Кристины Шапран и Александра Сергеева

  • Елены Евсеевой и Алексея Тимофеева

День, насыщенный искусством во всех его проявлениях.


8 и 9 декабря — Волшебство продолжается

8 декабря

Мария Чернивская и Ярослав Байбордин — молодость, свежесть и вдохновение.

9 декабря

Анастасия Лукина и Роман Малышев придают спектаклю особое очарование и искренность.


11 декабря — Лебединое озеро: пауза чистого совершенства

Среди череды «Щелкунчиков» — драгоценная жемчужина:
«Лебединое озеро» в исполнении Оксаны Скорик и Тимура Аскерова.
Скорик — символ утончённости, Аскеров — благородства и силы. Их дуэт — настоящее сияние классики.


13 декабря — День прима-балерины assoluta

Дата, которую ценители ждут с особым трепетом.

  • 12:00 — «Щелкунчик» в исполнении студентов Академии Вагановой.

  • 19:00 — вершина вечера:
    Виктория Терёшкина и Роман Беляков.
    Терёшкина — феноменальная артистка, чьё мастерство и сила сценического присутствия делают её выступление событием.


14 декабря — Двойной праздник

13:00 —

Алиса Баринова и Киан Мантис — светлая и радостная интерпретация.

19:00 —

Дарья Куликова и Евгений Коновалов — музыкальность, эмоциональность и ясность стиля.


16 декабря — Вечер памяти Майи Плисецкой и Родионa Щедрина

12:00 — «Кармен-сюита»

Екатерина Кондаурова, в дуэте с Ивеном Капитэном и Романом Беляковым, создаёт яркий, драматический образ.

19:30 — «Конёк-Горбунок»

В главных партиях — Александр Сергеев и Виктория Терёшкина. Виртуозность и зрелое мастерство.


17 и 20 декабря — Финальные акценты

17 декабря

Екатерина Осмолкина и Павел Михеев — утончённые и благородные.

20 декабря (13:00)

Молодость и вдохновение: Есения Анушенкова и Руслан Стенюшкин.


Вечный «Щелкунчик»

С момента своего рождения на сцене Мариинского театрa «Щелкунчик» стал частью культурной души Петербурга. Оркестр театра — один из лучших интерпретаторов музыки Чайковского — поднимает каждый такт на высоту поэзии.

Знаменитая история гласит, что Чайковский создал адажио Па-де-де по пари: используя последовательные ноты гаммы. А недавняя смерть его сестры придала мелодии проникновенную грусть.

Сам композитор писал другу:
«С каждым днём я всё больше вхожу в гармонию с этой работой».

Так родился один из самых любимых балетов мира.


Заключение: Декабрь, который останется в памяти

Мариинский театр дарит не просто серию спектаклей — он дарит праздник красоты, эмоций и традиций.
На сцене сияет целая плеяда звёзд: Терёшкина, Скорик, Шакирова, Ширинкина, Шапран, Евсеева…
Каждая из них освещает «Щелкунчика» по-своему.

Петербургский декабрь — это поэма.
И её самый прекрасный стих уже более века — «Щелкунчик» в Мариинском театре.

Versión française

En décembre, Saint-Pétersbourg se pare une fois de plus de la magie intemporelle du Casse-Noisette, présenté sur les scènes du Théâtre Mariinsky et du Mariinsky II. Cette année, la programmation offre une constellation éblouissante d’étoiles du ballet : Maria Shirinkina, May Nagahisa, Oxana Skorik, Renata Shakirova, Viktoria Tereshkina, Kristina Shapran, Nadezhda Batoeva, Elena Yevseyeva et tant d’autres, chacune apportant sa force, sa poésie et sa virtuosité à la création immortelle de Piotr Ilitch Tchaïkovski.

Depuis sa première mondiale le 18 décembre 1892 dans ce même théâtre, Le Casse-Noisette n’a jamais cessé d’enchanter le public du monde entier. L’orchestre du Mariinsky demeure l’un des plus inspirés pour interpréter cette partition, et la production, somptueuse, évoque un univers féerique qui semble renaître chaque hiver.
La chorégraphie – qu’il s’agisse de la version classique de Vainonen ou de la vision singulière de Chemiakin et Simonov – offre un écrin idéal aux artistes, dont la présence scénique demeure inégalable.

Une anecdote célèbre raconte que Tchaïkovski, défié par un ami, composa pour le Grand pas de deux une mélodie fondée sur une simple gamme d’octave. Une autre version évoque l’influence de la mort récente de sa sœur, qui aurait inspiré la ligne descendante, empreinte de mélancolie, de ce même Adagio.
Toujours est-il que, malgré l’attitude parfois distante du compositeur envers cette œuvre, Le Casse-Noisette est devenu l’un des ballets les plus aimés de tous les temps.

Ce mois de décembre, grâce à l’excellence des artistes du Mariinsky, la magie retrouve toute sa splendeur. Chaque représentation promet un moment d’émerveillement, un hommage à la beauté, à l’élégance et à l’esprit même du ballet classique.


Versione italiana

A dicembre, San Pietroburgo torna a brillare con la magia senza tempo dello Schiaccianoci, presentato sulle scene del Teatro Mariinsky e del Mariinsky II. Quest’anno la stagione offre una costellazione straordinaria di stelle del balletto: Maria Shirinkina, May Nagahisa, Oxana Skorik, Renata Shakirova, Viktoria Tereshkina, Kristina Shapran, Nadezhda Batoeva, Elena Yevseyeva e molte altre. Ognuna porta la propria forza, poesia e virtuosità al capolavoro immortale di Pëtr Il’ič Čajkovskij.

Dalla sua prima assoluta il 18 dicembre 1892 proprio in questo teatro, Lo Schiaccianoci non ha mai smesso di incantare il pubblico di tutto il mondo. L’orchestra del Mariinsky rimane una delle più ispirate nell’interpretare questa partitura, e la produzione – splendida e fiabesca – sembra rinascere ogni inverno come un sogno.
La coreografia, sia nella versione classica di Vainonen sia nell’interpretazione originale di Chemiakin e Simonov, offre un palcoscenico perfetto per artisti la cui presenza scenica è davvero incomparabile.

Una celebre aneddoto racconta che Čajkovskij, sfidato da un amico, compose per il Grand pas de deux una melodia basata su una semplice scala. Un’altra versione attribuisce l’Adagio alla malinconia per la recente morte della sorella.
Qualunque sia la verità, Lo Schiaccianoci, nonostante le riserve iniziali del compositore, è diventato uno dei balletti più amati della storia.

Questo dicembre, grazie all’eccellenza degli artisti del Mariinsky, la magia ritorna in tutta la sua intensità. Ogni spettacolo promette un momento di pura meraviglia: un inno alla bellezza, all’eleganza e allo spirito più autentico del balletto classico.

Versión en español

En diciembre, San Petersburgo vuelve a vestirse con la magia eterna de El cascanueces, presentado en el Teatro Mariinsky y el Mariinsky II. Este año, la temporada reúne a una auténtica constelación de estrellas: Maria Shirinkina, May Nagahisa, Oxana Skorik, Renata Shakirova, Viktoria Tereshkina, Kristina Shapran, Nadezhda Batoeva, Elena Yevseyeva y muchas más, cada una aportando su elegancia, técnica y sensibilidad al ballet inmortal de Tchaikovsky.

Desde su estreno mundial el 18 de diciembre de 1892 en este mismo escenario, El cascanueces no ha dejado de fascinar al público de todo el mundo. La orquesta del Mariinsky, quizá la más idónea para interpretar esta música, revela cada matiz de la partitura, y la producción, bellísima, revive cada invierno como un cuento luminoso.
Tanto la coreografía clásica de Vainonen como la versión imaginativa de Chemiakin y Simonov ofrecen un marco perfecto para artistas cuya presencia escénica es simplemente insuperable.

Cuenta una famosa anécdota que Tchaikovsky compuso la melodía del Grand pas de deux basándose en una simple escala, fruto de una apuesta con un amigo. Otra versión afirma que la reciente muerte de su hermana inspiró la línea descendente y melancólica de ese mismo Adagio.
Sea como fuere, y pese a la relación compleja del compositor con la obra, El cascanueces se ha convertido en uno de los ballets más amados de la historia.

Este diciembre, gracias al talento excepcional del Mariinsky, la magia recobra todo su esplendor. Cada función promete un instante de maravilla: un tributo a la belleza, la elegancia y la esencia misma del ballet clásico.

Friday, November 28, 2025

Moscow - Swan Lake - 1st december 2025

On December 1st, the Bolshoi Theatre will once again become a sanctuary of beauty, passion, and enchantment as it presents one of the most beloved ballets in history: Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Here, in the gilded splendor of Moscow’s most famous theatre, the audience will be transported to a world where swans glide under moonlight, love blooms and falters, and music tells the story with a depth of emotion that only Tchaikovsky could achieve.

The evening’s music will be performed by the Bolshoi Orchestra, under the masterful direction of Pavel Sorokin, whose interpretation promises to bring every nuance of Tchaikovsky’s score to life. From the first haunting notes of the Swan Theme to the final, heart-rending chords of the finale, the orchestra will illuminate the ballet’s emotional spectrum, accompanying the dancers with precision, lyricism, and breathtaking beauty.

At the heart of this magical evening will be Yulia Stepanova, one of the world’s finest ballerinas, performing the dual role of Odette and Odile. Her performance promises to be a revelation: as Odette, she embodies ethereal delicacy, fragile beauty, and a sense of melancholy that draws the audience into her enchanted world; as Odile, she is fiery, seductive, and commanding, transforming the stage with every sharp gesture, every dazzling pirouette, every flash of the 32 fouettés that will leave the audience breathless. Opposite her, Artemy Belyakov brings princely grace, technical mastery, and an innate sensitivity to the role of Prince Siegfried, creating a partnership alive with chemistry, tenderness, and drama.

Yet the magic of Swan Lake extends far beyond its leads. The ballet’s famous national dances offer color, vitality, and joy, and this production features a cast of extraordinary soloists. The Spanish Dance, fiery and brilliant, will be performed by the rising star Anastasia Smirnova, whose every step radiates passion, precision, and stage charisma. The audience will be enchanted by her energy and artistry as she brings the dance to life with elegance and sparkle. The Neapolitan Dance, the Polish Dance, and the Hungarian Dance will similarly shine, performed by remarkable artists including Olga Marchenkova, Daria Evdokimova, and Ana Turazashvili, each infusing their characters with vitality, humor, and grace.

The supporting cast further enriches the performance. Egor Gerashchenko, as the Evil Genius, embodies menace with poise and dark elegance. Alexander Fadeyechev, as the Tutor, brings intelligence and charm, while Ratmir Dzhumaliev, as the Fool, infuses the stage with humor and lightness. The Prince’s friends, portrayed by Daria Khokhlova and Elizaveta Krutelyova, provide warmth and elegance, rounding out a company of dancers whose artistry transforms every scene into a living tableau.


Act I: The Palace and the Prince

The ballet opens in the ceremonial grandeur of the royal palace. The audience is immediately drawn into a world of opulence, glittering chandeliers, and formal courtly rituals. Tchaikovsky’s score, bold yet lyrical, sets the stage for the drama to come. Here, Prince Siegfried is introduced, caught between duty and the longing for love. Yulia Stepanova’s Odette is glimpsed in a dreamlike vision of purity and vulnerability, a foreshadowing of the lake that will later become her prison and sanctuary.

The first act introduces us to the secondary characters with warmth and charm: the Tutor, the Fool, the Prince’s friends, and the minor court figures. Their presence adds levity and life to the ceremony, creating a contrast with the drama and tension that will unfold later. The seeds of the story are sown as the Prince begins to yearn for something beyond the palace walls—a love both mysterious and inevitable.


Act II: The Enchanted Lake

Act II transports the audience to the mystical realm of the swans. Tchaikovsky’s music here is transcendent: strings shimmer like moonlight on water, winds and woodwinds evoke a gentle breeze, and the leitmotif of the Swan conveys both sorrow and hope. The corps de ballet glides across the stage with uncanny precision, forming perfect patterns that echo the themes of magic, transformation, and yearning.

Odette’s appearance is a moment of pure enchantment. Yulia Stepanova embodies the White Swan with an almost supernatural grace: every port de bras, every arabesque, every delicate turn communicates her character’s fragility and longing. The Prince’s first encounter with Odette is a moment of profound poetry, a pas de deux in which the music and dance fuse to tell a story beyond words. This duet is tender and intimate, yet charged with emotion, as Tchaikovsky’s melodies weave seamlessly through the movements, underscoring love’s inevitability and beauty.


Act III: The Ball and the National Dances

Act III returns to the palace, where the grandeur of the court contrasts sharply with the purity of the lake. Here, Tchaikovsky’s score reaches dazzling heights: the ballroom is filled with sparkling waltzes, ceremonious fanfares, and an undercurrent of tension as the Prince prepares to choose a bride.

The character dances shine in this act, offering both spectacle and artistry. The Spanish Dance, performed by Anastasia Smirnova, burns with passion and elegance, captivating every eye in the house. Olga Marchenkova, Daria Evdokimova, and Ana Turazashvili bring their own brilliance to the Polish, Neapolitan, and Hungarian dances, each embodying their national character with charm, humor, and precision. These moments of color and joy contrast with the drama of the central narrative, highlighting Tchaikovsky’s genius for balance and contrast in his music.

Meanwhile, the arrival of Odile—the Black Swan—introduces a new tension. Yulia Stepanova’s Odile is magnetic and commanding, every movement a masterclass in virtuosity and drama. The deception of the Prince reaches its emotional apex here, and the music heightens the stakes with orchestral brilliance, propelling the audience through a storm of desire, confusion, and inevitable heartbreak.


Le Lac des cygnes, premier ballet de Tchaïkovski, a été commandé par le Théâtre Bolchoï. Sa première mondiale a eu lieu le 20 février 1877 (ancien style), dans une mise en scène de Julius Wenzel Reisinger. En 1880, Joseph Hansen tenta une nouvelle mise en scène.

Le ballet connut véritablement sa consécration à Saint-Pétersbourg, peu après la disparition prématurée de Tchaïkovski. Le 17 février 1894, lors d'une représentation commémorative en l'honneur de Piotr Ivanovski, le deuxième acte fut donné, avec une chorégraphie de Lev Ivanov.

Première représentation : 2 mars 2001

Présenté avec : Un entracte


Livret : Youri Grigorovitch, d'après un scénario de Vladimir Begichev et Vassili Geltser


Chorégraphie : Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, Alexandre Gorski (scènes)


Chorégraphe (production actuelle) : Youri Grigorovitch


Décors et costumes : Simon Virsaladze



Direction musicale : Pavel Sorokine


Lumières : Mikhaïl Sokolov


J'ai vu Le Lac des cygnes au Bolchoï d'innombrables fois. Mes préférés ont toujours été Svetlana Zakharova et Denis Rodkin, mais ce nouveau duo saura également ravir le public. La jeune et talentueuse Anna Nikulina a récemment connu un grand succès, et je fonde de grands espoirs sur Anastasia Smirnova, étoile montante qui a interprété son rôle de façon spectaculaire ; j’espère la revoir dans le rôle d’Odette-Odile.


Yulia Stepanova m’avait déjà impressionnée dans Raymonda et elle est fabuleuse dans tous les ballets. Ce spectacle promet d’être sensationnel. Mon pas de deux préféré est Le Cygne noir, et plus particulièrement les 32 fouettés de la première ballerine, qui ne manqueront pas d’enchanter le public.


Distribution :


Le Génie du Mal : Egor Gerashchenko


Le Précepteur : Alexander Fadeyechev



Le Fou : Ratmir Dzhumaliev


Les Amies du Prince : Daria Khokhlova, Elizaveta Krutelyova


Maître de Cérémonie : Kamil Yangurazov


La Mariée Hongroise : Ana Turazashvili


La Mariée Russe : Polina Afanasieva


La Mariée Espagnole : Anastasia Smirnova


La Mariée Napolitaine : Daria Evdokimova


La Mariée Polonaise : Olga Marchenkova


Pavel Sorokin, le prestigieux directeur de l'Orchestre du Bolchoï, offrira une interprétation de la partition de Tchaïkovski unique au monde.


Ce ballet fut la première commande de Tchaïkovski. Son accueil initial fut mitigé, le véritable succès venant des années plus tard avec la nouvelle chorégraphie, bien que la musique fût déjà brillante.


Le Lac des cygnes (en russe : Лебеди́ное о́зеро, Lebedínoje ózero), op. 20, a été composé par Piotr Ilitch Tchaïkovski entre 1875 et 1876. La première a eu lieu au Théâtre Bolchoï de Moscou le 4 mars 1877 (20 février, ancien style), avec une chorégraphie de Julius Reisinger. Ce ballet, initialement conçu en deux actes, s'inspire de contes populaires russes et allemands et raconte l'histoire de la princesse Odette, transformée en cygne par le sorcier Von Rothbart.


Avant de composer Le Lac des cygnes, Tchaïkovski a étudié les œuvres de spécialistes du ballet tels que Cesare Pugni et Ludwig Minkus, et admirait des compositeurs comme Léo Delibes, Adolphe Adam et, plus tard, Riccardo Drigo. Il réutilisa également des éléments de ses œuvres antérieures, notamment un petit ballet de 1871, Le Lac des cygnes, qui contenait déjà le célèbre Thème du cygne.


La première mondiale à Moscou fut mal accueillie, les critiques jugeant la partition trop complexe, « trop bruyante, trop wagnérienne et trop symphonique ». Ce n'est qu'avec la reprise à Saint-Pétersbourg par Marius Petipa et Lev Ivanov – après la mort de Tchaïkovski – que Le Lac des cygnes devint un chef-d'œuvre intemporel. Pierina Legnani accéda à la célébrité grâce à son interprétation d'Odette dans cette version de référence. La plupart des productions actuelles sont basées sur la révision de la partition originale par Riccardo Drigo.


Il existe d'innombrables enregistrements vidéo, mais ma préférée reste la production du Bolchoï de 1989 avec Algis Zhuraitis, Yuri Vasyuchenko et Alla Mikhalchenko dans le rôle d'Odette-Odile – une performance sensationnelle. Yulia Stepanova promet de donner vie à l'Odette du XXIe siècle.

Le 1 décembre, nous pourrons assister à une magnifique soirée de ballet et de mélodies de Tchaïkovski dans le plus magnifique théâtre de Russie : le Bolchoï.

On December 1st, there will be an extraordinary performance of Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, the marvelous Russian composer. His divine music will resonate from the orchestra pit, performed by the sensational Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra. The star of the evening will be the superlative Yulia Stepanova, one of the world’s finest ballerinas. With her poise, delicacy, beauty, and stage presence, she is the ideal Odette-Odile.

The Prince will be portrayed by the superb Artemy Belyakov. This pairing promises a magical first-act encounter between Odette and the Prince, full of sparks and chemistry—a truly fabulous couple. Tchaikovsky’s divine music will perfectly accompany this exquisite choreography.

About the Performance:
Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s first ballet, was commissioned by the Bolshoi Theatre. Its world premiere took place on February 20, 1877 (Old Style) in a staging by Julius Wenzel Reisinger. In 1880, a new attempt at staging was made by Joseph Hansen.

The ballet truly found its lasting life on stage in St. Petersburg, shortly after Tchaikovsky’s untimely death. On February 17, 1894, as part of a memorial production in memory of P.I. Tchaikovsky, the second act was performed with choreography by Lev Ivanov.

Premiered: March 2, 2001
Presented with: One interval
Libretto: Yuri Grigorovich, after a scenario by Vladimir Begichev and Vasily Geltser
Choreography: Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, Alexander Gorsky (scenes)
Choreographer (current production): Yuri Grigorovich
Set & Costume Designer: Simon Virsaladze
Music Director: Pavel Sorokin
Lighting Designer: Mikhail Sokolov

I have seen Swan Lake at the Bolshoi countless times. My favorites have been Svetlana Zakharova and Denis Rodkin, but this new pair will also delight audiences. The star Anna Nikulina recently had a great success, and I have high hopes for Anastasia Smirnova, a rising star who has performed her role spectacularly; hopefully, we will see her as Odette-Odile in the future.


Yulia Stepanova has impressed me before in Raymonda and is fabulous in any ballet. This performance promises to be sensational. My favorite pas de deux is the Black Swan, especially the 32 fouettés by the principal ballerina, which will surely enchant the audience.

Supporting Cast:

  • The Evil Genius: Egor Gerashchenko

  • The Tutor: Alexander Fadeyechev

  • The Fool: Ratmir Dzhumaliev

  • Friends to the Prince: Daria Khokhlova, Elizaveta Krutelyova

  • Master of Ceremonies: Kamil Yangurazov

  • Hungarian Bride: Ana Turazashvili

  • Russian Bride: Polina Afanasieva

  • Spanish Bride: Anastasia Smirnova

  • Neapolitan Bride: Daria Evdokimova

  • Polish Bride: Olga Marchenkova

Pavel Sorokin, the prestigious director of the Bolshoi Orchestra, will provide a reading of Tchaikovsky’s score unlike any other orchestra in the world can offer.

The ballet was Tchaikovsky’s first commission. Its initial reception was lukewarm, with the true success coming years later in the new choreography, though the music was already brilliant.

Swan Lake (Russian: Лебеди́ное о́зеро, Lebedínoje ózero), Op. 20, was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky between 1875 and 1876. The original production premiered at the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, on March 4, 1877 (February 20, Old Style), with choreography by Julius Reisinger. The ballet, initially conceived in two acts, is based on Russian and German folk tales and tells the story of Princess Odette, who is transformed into a swan by the sorcerer Von Rothbart.

Tchaikovsky, before composing Swan Lake, studied the works of ballet specialists like Cesare Pugni and Ludwig Minkus, and admired composers such as Léo Delibes, Adolphe Adam, and later Riccardo Drigo. He also reused material from his earlier works, including a small 1871 ballet, The Lake of the Swans, which already contained the famous Swan Theme.

The world premiere in Moscow was poorly received, with critics finding the score overly complex, "too noisy, too Wagnerian, and too symphonic." It wasn’t until the St. Petersburg revival by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov—after Tchaikovsky’s death—that Swan Lake became a timeless masterpiece. Pierina Legnani became famous as Odette in this definitive version. Most productions today are based on Riccardo Drigo’s revision of the original score.

There are countless video recordings, but my favorite remains the 1989 Bolshoi production with Algis Zhuraitis, Yuri Vasyuchenko, and Alla Mikhalchenko as Odette-Odile—a sensational performance. Yulia Stepanova promises to bring the Odette of the 21st century to life.

On December 1st, the Bolshoi Theatre will once again open its gilded doors to one of the most enchanting tales ever told through dance: Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the composer whose music has the power to touch the soul, stir the heart, and transport the mind to a realm where swans glide under moonlit skies and love unfolds in its most tragic and transcendent form. On this extraordinary evening, the Bolshoi Orchestra, under the direction of the esteemed Pavel Sorokin, will breathe life into Tchaikovsky’s score, capturing every shimmering nuance, every tender adagio, every soaring melody that has enthralled audiences for nearly a century and a half.

The principal role of Odette-Odile will be performed by the luminous Yulia Stepanova, whose artistry embodies elegance, lyricism, and a rare stage magnetism. As the White Swan, she will embody fragile beauty, innocence, and longing; as the Black Swan, she will seduce with fire, precision, and unflinching technical brilliance. Her presence is commanding yet tender, every movement imbued with the poetry of Tchaikovsky’s music, every gaze conveying a universe of feeling. Opposite her, Artemy Belyakov brings the perfect balance of princely strength and tender vulnerability. Together, they form a pair whose encounters are charged with an almost palpable electricity: a first-act pas de deux that promises to be unforgettable, a meeting of hearts rendered in movement and melody.

Yet the magic of this production extends far beyond its leads. The national dances, which sparkle like gems within the tapestry of the ballet, will be rendered with extraordinary charm and precision. The Spanish Dance, fiery and brilliant, will be brought to life by the rising star Anastasia Smirnova, whose every gesture radiates passion and charisma. She is a dancer whose technique is matched only by her stage presence, and the Spanish Dance becomes, in her hands, a moment of pure exhilaration, thrilling the audience with energy and elegance. The Neapolitan Dance, the Polish Dance, and the Hungarian Dance will similarly shine under the artistry of dancers such as Olga Marchenkova, Daria Evdokimova, and Ana Turazashvili, each embodying the distinct character, color, and rhythm of their roles.

Tchaikovsky’s genius lies not only in his melodic richness but also in his ability to translate narrative into music that dances itself. Composed between 1875 and 1876, Swan Lake was the first of his ballets, a score that initially met with uncertainty but soon proved timeless. The Moscow premiere in 1877 received a mixed reception, but with the St. Petersburg revival in 1894, staged by Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa, it ascended to its rightful place among the masterpieces of ballet. From Pierina Legnani’s historic Odette to the generations of dancers that have followed, the ballet has been a canvas for human emotion, told through bodies in motion, guided by music of unparalleled lyricism.

The supporting cast of this performance adds depth, color, and humor to the evening. Egor Gerashchenko, as the sinister Evil Genius, will embody menace with elegance, while Alexander Fadeyechev, as the Tutor, brings refinement and wit. Ratmir Dzhumaliev, as the Fool, will charm with playful comic timing, and the Prince’s companions, Daria Khokhlova and Elizaveta Krutelyova, will complement the drama and grace of the central story with warmth and vitality. Every performer, from the principal dancers to the corps de ballet, contributes to the tapestry of Tchaikovsky’s world, transforming the stage into a living painting of beauty, intrigue, and emotion.

Each scene in Swan Lake is a study in contrasts: the serene, dreamlike world of the lake; the opulent, ceremonial grandeur of the ballroom; the vibrant and playful character dances; and the darkness of Von Rothbart’s spellbinding influence. The music mirrors these contrasts: shimmering strings evoke the gentle glide of swans; bold brass and timpani underscore the drama and danger; and the adagio duets speak of love and longing with a purity unmatched in any other medium. The 32 fouettés of the Black Swan, executed with precision and elegance, promise a moment of sheer exhilaration, leaving the audience breathless in admiration.

And above all, there is Tchaikovsky himself, whose melodies and harmonies illuminate the emotional landscape of every dancer, every gesture, and every dramatic turn. On this December evening, the Bolshoi Theatre—its gilded balconies and velvet seats filled with anticipation—will become a sanctuary of music, movement, and passion. Audiences will be transported to the moonlit lakes of fantasy, to the courts of princes, and to the very heart of human longing and beauty.

This Swan Lake is more than a ballet: it is a celebration of art in its most sublime form. It is a union of music and movement, of dancers and orchestra, of past and present, of magic and reality. With Yulia Stepanova and Artemy Belyakov leading a cast of extraordinary artists, including the brilliant Anastasia Smirnova, the elegant Olga Marchenkova, and the entire ensemble, it promises to be an evening of unforgettable beauty—an evening where Tchaikovsky’s genius and the Bolshoi’s artistry meet in perfect harmony. On December 1st, the world of Swan Lake will come alive once more, radiant, tragic, passionate, and utterly timeless.

On December 1st, the Bolshoi Theatre will once again become a sanctuary of beauty, passion, and enchantment as it presents one of the most beloved ballets in history: Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Here, in the gilded splendor of Moscow’s most famous theatre, the audience will be transported to a world where swans glide under moonlight, love blooms and falters, and music tells the story with a depth of emotion that only Tchaikovsky could achieve.

The evening’s music will be performed by the Bolshoi Orchestra, under the masterful direction of Pavel Sorokin, whose interpretation promises to bring every nuance of Tchaikovsky’s score to life. From the first haunting notes of the Swan Theme to the final, heart-rending chords of the finale, the orchestra will illuminate the ballet’s emotional spectrum, accompanying the dancers with precision, lyricism, and breathtaking beauty.

At the heart of this magical evening will be Yulia Stepanova, one of the world’s finest ballerinas, performing the dual role of Odette and Odile. Her performance promises to be a revelation: as Odette, she embodies ethereal delicacy, fragile beauty, and a sense of melancholy that draws the audience into her enchanted world; as Odile, she is fiery, seductive, and commanding, transforming the stage with every sharp gesture, every dazzling pirouette, every flash of the 32 fouettés that will leave the audience breathless. Opposite her, Artemy Belyakov brings princely grace, technical mastery, and an innate sensitivity to the role of Prince Siegfried, creating a partnership alive with chemistry, tenderness, and drama.

Yet the magic of Swan Lake extends far beyond its leads. The ballet’s famous national dances offer color, vitality, and joy, and this production features a cast of extraordinary soloists. The Spanish Dance, fiery and brilliant, will be performed by the rising star Anastasia Smirnova, whose every step radiates passion, precision, and stage charisma. The audience will be enchanted by her energy and artistry as she brings the dance to life with elegance and sparkle. The Neapolitan Dance, the Polish Dance, and the Hungarian Dance will similarly shine, performed by remarkable artists including Olga Marchenkova, Daria Evdokimova, and Ana Turazashvili, each infusing their characters with vitality, humor, and grace.

The supporting cast further enriches the performance. Egor Gerashchenko, as the Evil Genius, embodies menace with poise and dark elegance. Alexander Fadeyechev, as the Tutor, brings intelligence and charm, while Ratmir Dzhumaliev, as the Fool, infuses the stage with humor and lightness. The Prince’s friends, portrayed by Daria Khokhlova and Elizaveta Krutelyova, provide warmth and elegance, rounding out a company of dancers whose artistry transforms every scene into a living tableau.


Act I: The Palace and the Prince

The ballet opens in the ceremonial grandeur of the royal palace. The audience is immediately drawn into a world of opulence, glittering chandeliers, and formal courtly rituals. Tchaikovsky’s score, bold yet lyrical, sets the stage for the drama to come. Here, Prince Siegfried is introduced, caught between duty and the longing for love. Yulia Stepanova’s Odette is glimpsed in a dreamlike vision of purity and vulnerability, a foreshadowing of the lake that will later become her prison and sanctuary.

The first act introduces us to the secondary characters with warmth and charm: the Tutor, the Fool, the Prince’s friends, and the minor court figures. Their presence adds levity and life to the ceremony, creating a contrast with the drama and tension that will unfold later. The seeds of the story are sown as the Prince begins to yearn for something beyond the palace walls—a love both mysterious and inevitable.


Act II: The Enchanted Lake

Act II transports the audience to the mystical realm of the swans. Tchaikovsky’s music here is transcendent: strings shimmer like moonlight on water, winds and woodwinds evoke a gentle breeze, and the leitmotif of the Swan conveys both sorrow and hope. The corps de ballet glides across the stage with uncanny precision, forming perfect patterns that echo the themes of magic, transformation, and yearning.

Odette’s appearance is a moment of pure enchantment. Yulia Stepanova embodies the White Swan with an almost supernatural grace: every port de bras, every arabesque, every delicate turn communicates her character’s fragility and longing. The Prince’s first encounter with Odette is a moment of profound poetry, a pas de deux in which the music and dance fuse to tell a story beyond words. This duet is tender and intimate, yet charged with emotion, as Tchaikovsky’s melodies weave seamlessly through the movements, underscoring love’s inevitability and beauty.


Act III: The Ball and the National Dances

Act III returns to the palace, where the grandeur of the court contrasts sharply with the purity of the lake. Here, Tchaikovsky’s score reaches dazzling heights: the ballroom is filled with sparkling waltzes, ceremonious fanfares, and an undercurrent of tension as the Prince prepares to choose a bride.

The character dances shine in this act, offering both spectacle and artistry. The Spanish Dance, performed by Anastasia Smirnova, burns with passion and elegance, captivating every eye in the house. Olga Marchenkova, Daria Evdokimova, and Ana Turazashvili bring their own brilliance to the Polish, Neapolitan, and Hungarian dances, each embodying their national character with charm, humor, and precision. These moments of color and joy contrast with the drama of the central narrative, highlighting Tchaikovsky’s genius for balance and contrast in his music.


Meanwhile, the arrival of Odile—the Black Swan—introduces a new tension. Yulia Stepanova’s Odile is magnetic and commanding, every movement a masterclass in virtuosity and drama. The deception of the Prince reaches its emotional apex here, and the music heightens the stakes with orchestral brilliance, propelling the audience through a storm of desire, confusion, and inevitable heartbreak.


Act IV: The Tragic and Transcendent Finale

The final act returns to the moonlit lake, where fate, magic, and love converge. Tchaikovsky’s score achieves its most sublime heights: the strings soar, the woodwinds whisper, and the entire orchestra creates a tapestry of emotion that perfectly mirrors the tragedy unfolding on stage.

Odette and the Prince confront their fate. Every lift, every turn, every gesture by Yulia Stepanova and Artemy Belyakov communicates a story that words cannot contain: love, sacrifice, and redemption intertwined. The corps de ballet of swans encircles them, ethereal and mournful, a visual echo of Tchaikovsky’s haunting melodies. The Evil Genius’s defeat, the resolution of the spell, and the ultimate union of the lovers bring the ballet to a heart-wrenching yet transcendent conclusion.


A Celebration of Tchaikovsky and the Bolshoi

This Swan Lake is more than a performance; it is a celebration of Tchaikovsky’s genius and the artistry of the Bolshoi. From the glimmering ceremonial grandeur of Act I to the enchanted lake of Act II, from the joyous character dances of Act III to the climactic finale of Act IV, every moment is infused with music, emotion, and poetry. The principal dancers, Yulia Stepanova and Artemy Belyakov, lead a cast of extraordinary talent, including Anastasia Smirnova, Olga Marchenkova, Daria Evdokimova, and the entire ensemble, who bring life, nuance, and magic to every scene.

On this December evening, the Bolshoi Theatre will become a realm of beauty, where swans glide, love triumphs and falters, and Tchaikovsky’s melodies soar like moonlight across a still lake. Audiences will leave enchanted, carried away by the music, the dance, and the timeless power of this extraordinary masterpiece—a performance that promises to linger in memory long after the final curtain falls.

Le Lac des cygnes au Théâtre Bolchoï

Un voyage au cœur du chef-d'œuvre intemporel de Tchaïkovski

Le 1er décembre, le Théâtre Bolchoï ouvre ses portes dorées pour une soirée d'une beauté sublime et d'une magie éternelle avec la présentation du Lac des cygnes, chef-d'œuvre de Piotr Ilitch Tchaïkovski, dont la musique, telle un clair de lune sur une eau calme, porte en elle les joies, les peines et les passions du cœur humain.

L'orchestre, sous la direction inspirée de Pavel Sorokine, illuminera chaque nuance de la partition de Tchaïkovski. Les cordes scintillent comme des reflets argentés sur un lac ; les vents murmurent les secrets des forêts enchantées ; les timbales et les cuivres proclament l'amour, le danger et le destin. La musique n'est pas un simple accompagnement : elle est un personnage vivant, modelant et reflétant chaque émotion, chaque mouvement, chaque saut sur scène.

Acte I – Le Palais : Devoir, Désir et Premiers Émois Amoureux

Le ballet s'ouvre dans le palais opulent du prince Siegfried. Les lustres scintillent, les tapisseries brillent, et la cour se meut avec une grâce mesurée au rythme cérémoniel de la musique de Tchaïkovski. C'est un monde d'un ordre éclatant, et pourtant, sous les apparences, le cœur du Prince aspire à quelque chose au-delà des murs du palais : un amour qui touchera son âme.

Odette, aperçue dans une vision onirique, apparaît pour la première fois comme une princesse cygne pâle et fragile. Sa présence est délicate, fugace et empreinte de mélancolie, une promesse subtile du royaume enchanté qui l'attend. Yulia Stepanova donne vie à Odette avec un lyrisme tendre, chacun de ses mouvements étant un murmure de vulnérabilité, un soupir de désir.

Les personnages secondaires ajoutent du charme et du contraste au drame : Alexander Fadeyechev, dans le rôle du Précepteur, exhale raffinement et douce sagesse ; Ratmir Dzhumaliev, dans celui du Fou, apporte une légèreté espiègle ; Daria Khokhlova et Elizaveta Krutelyova, dans les rôles des amies du Prince, rayonnent de chaleur et de grâce. Leurs danses et leurs échanges emplissent le palais de vie et préparent le terrain pour la magie qui se déploie dans l'histoire.

Acte II – Le Lac Enchanté : Magie, Chagrin et La Complainte du Cygne


La scène se déplace vers le lac éclairé par la lune, où enchantement et mélancolie s'entremêlent. Ici, le corps de ballet glisse en parfaite harmonie, créant des motifs qui reflètent les douces ondulations de l'eau. La musique de Tchaïkovski s'élève d'une beauté éthérée, chaque note étant le reflet du chagrin et de l'espoir d'Odette.


Odette émerge de l'eau telle une vision de pureté et de grâce. Yulia Stepanova l'incarne avec une élégance fragile qui coupe le souffle au public. Ses bras, comme des ailes, s'étendent et se replient avec la fluidité de l'eau ; ses yeux expriment un amour qui ne peut encore être pleinement réalisé.


Le Prince s'approche, et leur pas de deux est un dialogue des cœurs. Chaque porté, chaque tour enlacé, chaque regard raconte une histoire indicible – une rencontre d'âmes réunies par le destin. Les mélodies de Tchaïkovski semblent épouser leurs corps, modelant leurs mouvements et intensifiant chaque émotion. Le public est transporté dans un monde où l'amour, la magie et le chagrin coexistent en parfaite harmonie.


Acte III – Le bal et les danses nationales : Splendeur, passion et intrigue


Le palais réapparaît dans toute sa splendeur cérémonielle, illuminé de robes étincelantes, de bijoux scintillants et bercé par les rythmes majestueux de la valse. Pourtant, sous la beauté du bal se cache une tension palpable : le Prince doit choisir une épouse, et l'ombre du mensonge plane.


La Danse espagnole, interprétée par Anastasia Smirnova, est une explosion de fougue et de vitalité. Ses mouvements sont une cascade d'élégance et de passion, chaque pas rayonnant d'énergie, chaque fioriture captivant le regard. Elle incarne à la perfection l'esprit fougueux de la danse, subjuguant le public par sa virtuosité et son charisme.


Les danses polonaise, napolitaine et hongroise, interprétées avec brio par Olga Marchenkova, Daria Evdokimova et Ana Turazashvili, offrent des moments de joie, d'humour et de richesse culturelle. Chaque danseuse incarne l'âme de sa nation avec précision, style et charme. Ces danses contrastent magnifiquement avec la tension du choix imminent du Prince et l'arrivée du Cygne Noir.


Odile, le Cygne Noir, surgit comme un éclair, irradiant de magnétisme et de danger. Yulia Stepanova se métamorphose en Odile avec une puissance et une élégance qui captivent le public. Sa maîtrise technique, notamment ses 32 fouettés, est éblouissante, tandis que chacun de ses gestes exprime séduction, ruse et autorité. La tromperie du Prince atteint son paroxysme émotionnel, et la musique reflète la tension, tissant drame et envoûtement à chaque note.


Acte IV – Le Lac au clair de lune : Tragédie, Rédemption et Transcendance


L’acte final nous ramène au lac enchanté, où le destin, l’amour et la magie se mêlent. La partition de Tchaïkovski atteint des sommets de sublime : les cordes s’élèvent, les bois murmurent et l’orchestre gonfle d’un mélange poignant de beauté et de mélancolie.


Odette et le Prince font face à l’ultime confrontation avec le Génie du Mal. Chaque mouvement, chaque rotation, chaque geste porte en lui une émotion indicible. Yulia Stepanova et Artemy Belyakov insufflent à la scène une profondeur et une intensité remarquables. 


Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre

A Journey Through Tchaikovsky’s Timeless Masterpiece

On December 1st, the Bolshoi Theatre opens its golden doors to a night of sublime beauty and eternal magic as it presents Swan Lake, the masterpiece of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, whose music flows like moonlight across still waters, carrying with it the joys, sorrows, and passions of the human heart.

The orchestra, under the inspired direction of Pavel Sorokin, will illuminate every nuance of Tchaikovsky’s score. Strings shimmer like silvered ripples on a lake; winds whisper the secrets of enchanted forests; timpani and brass proclaim love, danger, and destiny. The music is not accompaniment—it is a living character, shaping and mirroring every emotion, every turn, and every leap on stage.


Act I – The Palace: Duty, Desire, and the First Glimpses of Love

The ballet opens in the opulent palace of Prince Siegfried. Chandeliers glisten, tapestries glow, and the court moves with measured grace to the ceremonial rhythms of Tchaikovsky’s music. It is a world of glittering order, yet beneath the formalities, the Prince’s heart longs for something beyond the walls of the palace: a love that will touch his soul.

Odette, glimpsed in a dreamlike vision, appears for the first time as a pale, fragile swan princess. Her presence is delicate, fleeting, and filled with melancholy, a subtle promise of the enchanted realm that awaits. Yulia Stepanova brings Odette to life with tender lyricism, her every movement a whisper of vulnerability, a sigh of longing.

The secondary characters add charm and contrast to the drama: Alexander Fadeyechev as the Tutor exudes refinement and gentle wisdom; Ratmir Dzhumaliev as the Fool brings playful levity; Daria Khokhlova and Elizaveta Krutelyova, as the Prince’s friends, radiate warmth and grace. Their dances and interactions fill the palace with life and set the stage for the story’s unfolding magic.


Act II – The Enchanted Lake: Magic, Sorrow, and the Swan’s Lament

The scene shifts to the moonlit lake, where enchantment and melancholy intertwine. Here, the corps de ballet glides in perfect harmony, creating patterns that mirror the gentle ripples of water. Tchaikovsky’s music swells with ethereal beauty, each note a reflection of Odette’s sorrow and hope.

Odette rises from the water like a vision of purity and grace. Yulia Stepanova embodies her with a fragile elegance that makes the audience hold its breath. Her arms, like wings, stretch and fold with the fluidity of water; her eyes speak of a love that cannot yet be fully realized.

The Prince approaches, and their pas de deux is a conversation of hearts. Each lift, each entwined turn, each gaze tells a story beyond words—a meeting of souls drawn together by fate. Tchaikovsky’s melodies seem to bend around their bodies, shaping their motion, heightening every emotion. The audience is transported to a world where love, magic, and sorrow coexist in perfect harmony.


Act III – The Ballroom and National Dances: Splendor, Passion, and Intrigue

The palace returns in all its ceremonial splendor, filled with sparkling gowns, glittering jewels, and the stately rhythms of the waltz. Yet beneath the beauty of the ballroom lies tension: the Prince must choose a bride, and the shadow of deception looms.

The Spanish Dance, performed by Anastasia Smirnova, erupts with fire and vitality. Her movements are a cascade of elegance and passion, every step radiating energy, every flourish captivating the eye. She is the embodiment of the dance’s fiery spirit, thrilling the audience with virtuosity and charisma.

The Polish Dance, the Neapolitan Dance, and the Hungarian Dance, brought to life by Olga Marchenkova, Daria Evdokimova, and Ana Turazashvili, provide moments of joy, humor, and cultural richness. Each dancer embodies the character of her nation with precision, style, and charm. These dances contrast beautifully with the tension of the Prince’s impending choice and the arrival of the Black Swan.

Odile, the Black Swan, enters like a flash of night, radiating magnetism and danger. Yulia Stepanova transforms into Odile with a power and elegance that command the stage. Her technical mastery, particularly the 32 fouettés, dazzles, while her every gesture communicates seduction, cunning, and authority. The deception of the Prince reaches its emotional climax, and the music mirrors the tension, weaving drama and allure into every note.


Act IV – The Moonlit Lake: Tragedy, Redemption, and Transcendence

The final act returns to the enchanted lake, where fate, love, and magic converge. Tchaikovsky’s score achieves its most sublime heights: strings soar, woodwinds whisper, and the orchestra swells with a poignant blend of beauty and sorrow.

Odette and the Prince face the final confrontation with the Evil Genius. Every lift, every turn, every extension of the arm carries emotion that words cannot capture. Yulia Stepanova and Artemy Belyakov bring a sense of both inevitability and hope, their pas de deux culminating in a tragic yet transcendent resolution. The swan corps, a shimmering constellation of white wings, encircle them in mournful beauty, reflecting both sorrow and release.

With the spell broken and love’s purity affirmed, the stage seems to breathe with relief and wonder. Tchaikovsky’s melodies linger long after the final bow, echoing in the hearts of the audience as they rise to their feet, carried away by the memory of swans gliding beneath the moon, of love and sacrifice, and of the human capacity for beauty and passion.


A Celebration of Art, Music, and the Bolshoi

This production of Swan Lake is not merely a performance—it is a living, breathing testament to Tchaikovsky’s genius and the artistry of the Bolshoi Ballet. Every dancer, from the principals to the corps de ballet, contributes to a tapestry of motion, color, and emotion. Yulia Stepanova and Artemy Belyakov lead with brilliance; Anastasia Smirnova ignites the Spanish Dance; Olga Marchenkova, Daria Evdokimova, and Ana Turazashvili bring cultural richness and elegance. Each scene, each pas de deux, each ensemble sequence, becomes a poem in movement, a testament to the marriage of music, dance, and storytelling.

On this December evening, the Bolshoi Theatre will become a place where magic is real, where swans and princes live on stage, and where Tchaikovsky’s music carries the audience through joy, sorrow, love, and transcendence. It is an experience that will linger in memory, a night of artistry so profound that it becomes part of the soul itself.