Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
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The White Hall was transformed for a performance by ballet dancers – the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet began collaborating with the main cultural institution, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.
The Polytechnic University managed to prepare a special ballet stage covering and provide lighting for the production to ensure a successful premiere.
This isn't a coincidence: over a hundred years ago, the legendary Matilda Kschessinska danced on this very stage. Today, young dancers continue this tradition, filling the hall with the same inspiring atmosphere that once accompanied the famous ballerina's performances. "The transformation of the White Hall stage into a ballet stage has become a symbol of the continuity of generations and a living connection between the history of the Polytechnic University and the history of Russian ballet," noted Boris Kondin, Head of the SPbPU Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity.
Students from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet's Choreography Department performed a program that combined a contemporary approach to the art of dance with a commitment to the traditions of the great Vaganova school. In the choreographic cycle "Creations," they explored the eternal themes of choosing one's path in life and finding one's guiding star. They presented one of the most famous Old Testament stories, "Cain and Abel," and a poetic interpretation of the ancient Greek myth, "The Abduction of Europa," as well as a choreographic interpretation of Alexander Mitta's Soviet film, "The Tale of Wanderings."
New music by Sofia Gubaidullina, David Lang, Arvo Pärt and Alfred Schnittke was also performed in the White Hall.
"I'm proud that St. Petersburg has such a strong school of contemporary dance, and that the new generation of choreographers are so free in their stage designs that they can offer the kind of performance we saw today," shared Yulia Smirnova, a fourth-year student at the SPbPU State Institute of Dance. "And the White Hall, with its extraordinary lighting, is the perfect stage for it."
The collaboration between the Polytechnic University and the Academy of Russian Ballet is based on a commitment to preserving and developing Russian culture, inspiring through aesthetic education, and making choreographic art accessible to everyone, as the White Hall is known for its affordable ticket prices and discounts for students, schoolchildren, and pensioners.
Ballet performances will become regular events in the White Hall, with the upcoming performance featuring the fairytale ballet "The Little Humpbacked Horse." On December 27, the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet will present New Year's adventures and graceful choreography in the ceremonial setting of the White Hall.
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