St Petersburg ballet

St Petersburg Ballet school is considered to be one of the worlds' best. St. Petersburg is where the world-renowned Ballet Academy named after the legendary prima ballerina Agripina Vaganova is located.

Such superstars as Nuriev, Barishnikov, Godunov have graduated from here. Students (some of them are just 5-6 year old!) from many counties come to this Academy to get its' prime ballet education.

St Petersburg is where the Russian Composer Peter Tchaikovsky wrote Swan Lake, one of the most beautiful and dramatic ballets of all times (ask your guide to show you composers' house). This is where Russian people take their children to the theaters to become introduced to the rich heritage of the St Petersburg Ballet and see the stars of today dancing. Ballet here is always accompanied by an orchestra and you can be guaranteed that you will see a high quality performance . When you are in St. Petersburg, ballet is one of the things you can't miss!

Usually there are several ballet performances available daily. You will have a choice of theaters and shows. Swan Lake is the most popular and is being performed regularly. You can also see Giselle, Sleeping Beauty and other fabulous ballets.

Mariinsky (former Kirov) theater is the main stage in St Petersburg. During the summer its' troupe is usually on vacation.

NEW! Want to look behind the scene? Check out our new excusive tour - Mariinsky Ballet and Opera theatre backstage tour!

Alexandrinsky Theatre is one of the most beautiful venues in the city. If you choose to go there - make sure to book one of private booths, it's definitely worth it.

Mikhailovsky theatre - newly restored and fine stage. Smaller but with great acoustics.

Hermitage theatre - legendary stage, small Royal theatre in Winter Palace. Tickets maybe a bit pricey but you have to pay to see the ballet inside one of the most famous museums in the world. 

Ask our experts which performances are available during your visit and book your tickets.

Price incl transfers: from USD 165 pp depending on theatre and seating

Looking for something else to do during your St Petersburg evening? See our St Petersburg Evening Events and make your choice.

PS. Here are a few things for us to think about...
Being probably the most spectacular and beautiful art, ballet remains a real challenge for those who decide to dance professionally. Why do we need ballet? Why on earth would children sacrifice their childhood in order to become ballet dancers? Why do the Russians keep dreaming about careers in ballet, when so few turn into real swans? Well, a real challenge always deserves at least a respect...