The Imperial Russian Ballet Company return to Australia to perform a diverse and stunning programme in three awe-inspiring acts

Act One: "Don Quixote" was first performed in Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre in 1869. Since then it has been performed all over the world by Russian and International Ballet companies. Former Bolshoi soloist and head of the Imperial Russian Ballet Company, Gediminas Taranda has taken the four acts of the original ballet with its gradual evolution and transformed it into one impetuous act.

Act Two: "Bolero" - First there was darkness, then there was light and then there was the Godhead. The people made sacrifices, built a temple and laid themselves prostrate all the way along to the temple. "Bolero" is a striking and dramatic ballet. Ravel was inspired to create the masterpiece after visiting a large industrial factory. There he noted the slow regular movement of the assembly lines, and the crash of machine and materials. "Bolero" is regarded as one of world music’s masterpieces.

Act Three: Greatest moments from the World’s classical Ballet's including "Giselle", “Carmen”, “The Dying Swan” and "Le Corsaire”.  Also modern choreographs of “Gopak”, “Ne Me Quittes Pas” and “Can Can Surprise”.

Be amazed while The Imperial Russian Ballet Company perform their spectacular FESTIVAL OF RUSSIAN BALLET. This stunning and diverse programme consists of an eclectic mix ranging from the magnificent "Don Quixote" to the hilarious "Can Can Surprise" and from the dramatic "Bolero" to the beautiful "Giselle" and "Dying Swan".

The Imperial Russian Ballet Company was formed in 1994 by the Bolshoi Theatre soloist, Gediminas Taranda. They have combined the unity and integrity of the great Russian Ballet Schools where traditions are passed on from one generation to another.  The founders of the company acknowledge and respect the Russian Imperial dynasty which has made such a contribution to the development of the arts and in establishing the system of Imperial theatres including the Bolshoi and the Marinski theatres. The prime choreographic style adopted by the Company is a classical one, however they also indulge in modern dance.  Their stage repertoire is based on the combination of classical masterpieces and modern choreographic pieces. 

The Imperial Russian Ballet Company has been touring world-wide since 1994.  They have staged classic masterpieces in the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and the Mossovet Theatre.  The home venue for the troupe when they perform in Moscow is now the Kolobov Novaya Opera Theatre. The cast of 40 elite dancers and support staff will travel from Moscow to Sydney in time for their gala opening at the State Theatre, Sydney on 1 September 2011. 

Ballet Virtuosity stuns audience "An astounding and exhilarating three-hour programme brought most ballet fans to their feet last night.  Perhaps the few who remained seated were simply stunned by excess, as this touring ballet treasure trove heaped pleasure upon delight, capping virtuosity with even more outstanding steps, leaps and turns.  This was a superlative exhibition from the principals and corps of a highly accomplished company that managed to balance formidable athleticism with traditional grace and comportment” Richard May, The Evening Standard