The Kiev Ballet

Ballet

Background

The Kiev Opera Ballet is celebrating its 143rd anniversary.  It was founded in 1867 based on the traditional classic Russian School of Ballet.  Ana Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina and Matilda Kesisnkaya were among some of its principal dancers, whose grace, expertise and professionalism influenced the Ukrainian school of classic ballet. Mijail Mardkin was the director of The Kiev Opera Ballet in 1919.  He was one of the greatest European choreographers who along with Bronislava, the sister of the famous soloist Vatslav Nijinski, founded the School of Choreography of Kiev.  Serge Lifar, the known choreographer, graduated from this school, then later immigrated to France, and became the Director of The Opera Ballet of Paris.

The well known schools of the Bolshoi and Kirov dominated the international panorama of classical ballet with stars of extraordinary expertise.  During this time the Ukrainian school was always spoken of with great respect and admiration, this was especially true of the principals and soloists of The Kiev Opera Ballet.  Now, because of the political and social changes that have occurred in the ex Soviet Union, the cultural and artistic strength of the Ukrainians has permitted them to integrate into the elite of the best European schools of ballet companies.

Regrettably, the United States has never witnessed the calibre and artistry of The Kiev Opera Ballet, who counts amongst it’s star principal dancers:  Tetyana Golyakova, Natalya Domracheva, Takita Shinobu, Ksenya Ivanenko, Victor Ishchuk y Maksym Chepyk, who are able to perform with remarkable precision, flawless purity and immaculate pageantry, the great ballet classics, such as: Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Carmen, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sulfide and others.

This is an excellent opportunity for ballet critics and the American public to delight and discover the stupendous Kiev Opera Ballet, who will leave their skillful talent in the hearts of the audience.