The Mariinsky Ballet has a history that dates back two and a half centuries. It will enter its 222nd season this coming fall. Back in its early days, European masters of choreography came to St. Petersburg from Italy, Germany, France, and other countries in Europe to help establish the ballet. Since then, the ballet company has developed its own distinctly Russian identity, and routinely performs native Russian works of Tchaikovsky and Glasonov, among others.

Great ballet stars of the nineteenth century such as Anna Pavlova and Vaslov Nijinsky emerged out of the Mariinsky Ballet, and became superstars of the time. The Mariinsky Ballet toured all the great cities in Europe and brought glory to Russia as one of the finest and boldest ballet companies. The ballet, while in St. Petersburg, performed at the famous Mariinsky Theater, and still does so today.

During the Soviet years, the government continued to support the arts for the purposes of propaganda. Ballet superstars such as Mikail Baryshnikov also performed with the Mariinsky Ballet and later defected to the United States. Today the repertoire of the Mariinsky Ballet includes such favorites as the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and the Sleeping Beauty.

Visit the Mariinsky Ballet While in St. Petersburg
While visiting St. Petersburg, you will surely want to attend a performance of the Mariinsky Ballet. Tour companies exist in the city that are devoted to the arts and Russian culture. You can visit the Mariinsky Theater, all the great art museums, and famous restaurants for one all-inclusive price.

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