EVENT: Imperial Russian Ballet - One of the best-known ballet companies in Moscow, the company was founded in 1994 by legendary Russian ballerina, Maija Plisetzkaya.

DATES: July 11 – 15
VENUE: The Mandela at the Joburg Theatre.

It was named in honour of the former “emperors” of the Russian ballet stage, as well as the Imperial family for their contribution to the Russian ballet culture.

Artistic director Gediminas Taranda, a soloist of the Bolshoi Ballet, has worked closely with Plisetzkaya, pursuing her modern style of dance. He brings creativity and innovation to the company’s classic productions.

The company consists of top dancers trained by famous ballet teachers in Russia and also attracts leading artists from European and American companies.

The company’s repertoire includes a number of  full-length classical masterpieces, together with aspects of modern choreography.

The Joburg programme features Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana in the first act, with scenes and extracts from classical masterpieces in the second act.

These include Walpurgis Night (the one-act ballet from the opera, Faust), Adagio from Scheherezade, Grand Pas de Deux from Don Quixote, and Jacques Offenbach’s Can-Can Surprise.

Tickets from R130 to R250. For tickets, call 086-167-0 670 or visit www.joburgtheatre.com. Seats are limited so early booking is advised.