Crown of the Russian Ballet to shine

Crown of the Russian Ballet was founded in 1997, by the current artistic director and lead ballerina Anna Alexidze, and current chief 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 contemporary works.

Seventeen years later they enjoy the reputation of being one of the most respected touring companies.

Their work includes classical masterpieces, as well as modern dance.

The 2014 South African Touring programme is titled Masterpieces of French Music in Ballet, and opens with Bizet’s Carmen, a passionate one-act ballet.

The second half includes Saint-Saëns’ emotionally charged Dying Swan.

This piece will forever be associated with the legendary Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, and promises to touch the soul.

The Pas de Quatre by Pugni is a fine showcase of the Romantic age of ballet.

The choreography includes adagio, petite and grand allegro, fast footwork and lyrical arm movements.

Jaques Brel’s Ne Me Quitte Pas (better known by Rod Mc Kuen’s English lyric If You Go Away), showcases Emelianov’s innovative contemporary work.

Other works featured in the second half are Ravel’s fiery Bolero and the famous Pas de Deux from Le Corsaire, by Adolphe Adam.

In honour of their contribution to the furthering of Russian culture, both Alexidze and Emelianov were awarded the prestigious Knight of the Second Order of Dyagilev, in 2007.

The company has toured extensively internationally, sharing their vision of the art of ballet and being a vital part of the contemporary artistic conversation.

They have performed to acclaim in Russia, the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Israel, Japan, China and many other countries.

They hope, through their performances, to share their Russian culture and show the inherent love and beauty of humankind, illustrating that art can be a powerful catalyst for change.