Crown of The Russian Ballet Company to Perform at Baxter Theatre, 6-9 May

Capetonian ballet-lovers will experience the sheer beauty of Russian Ballet when the internationally celebrated Crown of The Russian Ballet Company on 6, 7, 8 and 9 May at the Baxter Theatre.

Specially prepared for South African audiences by the artistic director Anatoly Emelianov the carefully selected line-up is certain to thrill classical ballet enthusiasts of all ages.

Their programme opens with the world premiere of Emelianov's Manfred a one-act ballet choreographed to one of Tchaikovsky's undoubted masterpieces, the symphony Manfred. The narrative for this work dealing with deep remorse and moral anguish comes from Lord Byron's Poem of the same name. Manfred is a Romantic hero of epic and Faustian proportions. In his idealistic dilemma he is doomed to destroy the very ones he loves. Imbued with supernatural elements, the metaphysical torment of Manfred is given the choreographic distinction that audiences internationally have come to associate with the work of Anatoly Emelianov.

The second half features the one-act Romeo and Juliet and an excerpt from The Sleeping Beauty. Danced to Tchaikovsky's exquisite Romeo and Juliet overture and featuring choreography by Emelianov, this work of burning passion and exquisite beauty was inspired by Shakespeare's text and remains one of Tchaikovsky's most popular compositions. The emotions of love and loss were sadly all too familiar to Tchaikovsky. Significantly it was the Romeo and Juliet overture that was used extensively at memorial concerts held in his honour after his untimely death.

Crown of the Russian Ballet was founded in 1997 by choreographer and principal dancer Anatoly Emelianov. Driven to explore and expand their creative and professional horizons, they set to work developing a new ballet repertoire of innovative classical and unique modern and contemporary choreography. Years later, and with a reputation that precedes them and still thriving, they have the distinction of being one of Russia's most highly respected ballet companies. Their work includes classical masterpieces as well as modern dance.

Crown of the Russian Ballet is proudly presented by impresario Edouard Miasnikov who delights in sharing Russian culture with South African audiences in the interests of widening cultural exchange and dialogue.

Bookings have opened through Computicket and early booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Tickets are affordably priced at R150, R200, R250 and R280.

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